Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to increase co-operation between (a) British armed forces and the (b) Italian armed forces.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Italy remains one of the UK’s most critical partners for European defence and security. The UK has a valuable and longstanding partnership with Italy built on deep tri-service links and historic cooperation in the combat air and weapons sectors.

Through annual 2+2 meetings between our Foreign and Defence Secretaries, our bilateral High-Level Military Dialogue, and regular interaction through other groupings such as NATO and E5 Defence Ministers Group, we continuously explore how our nations can better work together to address issues of shared strategic interest.

The closeness of our relationship is exemplified by our commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Alongside Italy and Japan, we have made great progress delivering GCAP, achieving Treaty Ratification between all partner nations in December 2024 and establishing the GCAP Headquarters, based in Reading. This programme will not only deliver a cutting-edge combat aircraft but will foster closer defence cooperation between the three nations while also strengthening each country’s defence industry, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

Outside of GCAP, the bi-annual Senior Armaments Export Group meeting brings together Government and industry to understand how we can best work together to pursue opportunities for deeper collaboration on defence programmes and exports. In February 2025, British and Italian capability directors signed a Statement of Intent focusing on complex weapons cooperation, adding more structure to this relationship.

Operationally our relationship is strong. We continue to deepen interoperability between our Carrier Strike Groups. As the only other European nation with carrier-capable F-35B aircraft, the Italian Armed Forces are providing a crucial contribution to the UK’s 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment, Op HIGHMAST.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much funding was allocated by her Department for infrastructure improvements in Romford constituency in the last two years.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

There have been no funds allocated to Romford over the last 2 years from the Housing Infrastructure Fund or from other MHCLG Land and Infrastructure funds.

The Greater London Authority was awarded a £63 million grant through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for the 2025-26 financial year to support London's economic development, with a focus on supporting local businesses and improving communities and skills. The GLA is working with London Councils and other partners to allocate these funds.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the UK crypto and digital asset industry.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Details of any meetings and engagements with the UK crypto and digital asset industry can be found in the Department’s quarterly transparency returns on Gov.uk.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she is taking steps to help ensure that (a) UK crypto and digital asset businesses and (b) businesses and sectors associated with the digital asset industry are able to open UK bank accounts.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to banking services is critical for operating a business, and is a matter of concern for certain sectors in particular such as the digital asset industry.

The Government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area.

The Government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) work to date on the factors leading banks to reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the Government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly.

With regard to account closures, the Government expects businesses to be treated fairly, and has brought forward legislation to enhance relevant protections in cases where consumers and businesses have their bank account terminated by their provider.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that applications to the Financial Conduct Authority for licences to operate in the UK by (a) crypto and (b) digital asset businesses are processed in a timely manner.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government launched an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime for cryptoassets in January 2020. This means UK cryptoasset exchange providers and custodian wallet providers are now in scope of the UK’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations (MLRs) and must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Applications for registration are considered on a case-by-case basis. The length of time taken is a matter for the FCA and depends on the individual circumstances of the firm. To date, 51 cryptoasset firms have been registered with the FCA under the MLRs and there are 48 firms with current registration.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many (a) crypto and (b) digital asset firms have been granted licences to operate by the Financial Conduct Authority; and how many and what proportion of applications were rejected in the last three years.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government launched an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime for cryptoassets in January 2020. This means UK cryptoasset exchange providers and custodian wallet providers are now in scope of the UK’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations (MLRs) and must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Applications for registration are considered on a case-by-case basis. The length of time taken is a matter for the FCA and depends on the individual circumstances of the firm. To date, 51 cryptoasset firms have been registered with the FCA under the MLRs and there are 48 firms with current registration.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average processing time was for applications by (a) crypto and (b) digital asset businesses to the Financial Conduct Authority in the latest period for which data is available.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government launched an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime for cryptoassets in January 2020. This means UK cryptoasset exchange providers and custodian wallet providers are now in scope of the UK’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations (MLRs) and must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Applications for registration are considered on a case-by-case basis. The length of time taken is a matter for the FCA and depends on the individual circumstances of the firm. To date, 51 cryptoasset firms have been registered with the FCA under the MLRs and there are 48 firms with current registration.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps the Financial Conduct Authority has taken to register (a) crypto and (b) digital asset businesses.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government launched an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime for cryptoassets in January 2020. This means UK cryptoasset exchange providers and custodian wallet providers are now in scope of the UK’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations (MLRs) and must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Applications for registration are considered on a case-by-case basis. The length of time taken is a matter for the FCA and depends on the individual circumstances of the firm. To date, 51 cryptoasset firms have been registered with the FCA under the MLRs and there are 48 firms with current registration.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to help prevent alcohol-related deaths in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The increase in alcohol related deaths and those linked to cocaine usage is concerning. The Government is committed to ensuring that anyone with a drug or alcohol problem can access the help and support they need, and we recognise the need for evidenced-based, high-quality treatment to reduce the numbers of alcohol and drug related deaths. 

Local authorities are responsible for assessing the local need for alcohol and drug prevention and treatment in their area, and for commissioning services to meet those needs. In addition to the Public Health Grant, in 2025/26, the Department is providing a total of £310 million in additional targeted grants to improve drug and alcohol services and recovery support, which includes housing and employment. Havering Borough Council, of which Romford is a part, will receive £400,302 from this additional grant funding in 2025/26.

The Department has an action plan in place to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths, which is currently being reviewed to ensure that it is grounded in the latest understanding of the drivers of drug and alcohol related deaths, and is responding to these. In 2024, the Department published guidance for local authorities and their partnerships on how to review adult drug and alcohol-related deaths and near-fatal overdoses to prevent future deaths.

Alongside the funding allocations, the Department has a range of existing and forthcoming best practice resources and guidance that supports those working in the sector to tailor drug and alcohol treatment services to meet local needs to improve treatment outcomes. The commissioning quality standard provides guidance to local authorities on how to ensure they have a shared understanding of local need, including the experiences of diverse populations. The commissioning quality standard can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-quality-standard-alcohol-and-drug-services

Later this year the Department will also be publishing the United Kingdom clinical guidelines on alcohol treatment, which will include recommendations on developing effective, accessible, and inclusive services. The aim of the guidelines is to promote and support good practice and improve the quality of service provision, resulting in better outcomes. The Department continues to work with all local areas to address unmet needs and drug and alcohol misuse deaths, and to drive improvements in the continuity of care. This includes the Unmet Need Toolkit, which can be used by local areas to assess local need and plan to meet it.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent cocaine-related deaths in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The increase in alcohol related deaths and those linked to cocaine usage is concerning. The Government is committed to ensuring that anyone with a drug or alcohol problem can access the help and support they need, and we recognise the need for evidenced-based, high-quality treatment to reduce the numbers of alcohol and drug related deaths. 

Local authorities are responsible for assessing the local need for alcohol and drug prevention and treatment in their area, and for commissioning services to meet those needs. In addition to the Public Health Grant, in 2025/26, the Department is providing a total of £310 million in additional targeted grants to improve drug and alcohol services and recovery support, which includes housing and employment. Havering Borough Council, of which Romford is a part, will receive £400,302 from this additional grant funding in 2025/26.

The Department has an action plan in place to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths, which is currently being reviewed to ensure that it is grounded in the latest understanding of the drivers of drug and alcohol related deaths, and is responding to these. In 2024, the Department published guidance for local authorities and their partnerships on how to review adult drug and alcohol-related deaths and near-fatal overdoses to prevent future deaths.

Alongside the funding allocations, the Department has a range of existing and forthcoming best practice resources and guidance that supports those working in the sector to tailor drug and alcohol treatment services to meet local needs to improve treatment outcomes. The commissioning quality standard provides guidance to local authorities on how to ensure they have a shared understanding of local need, including the experiences of diverse populations. The commissioning quality standard can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-quality-standard-alcohol-and-drug-services

Later this year the Department will also be publishing the United Kingdom clinical guidelines on alcohol treatment, which will include recommendations on developing effective, accessible, and inclusive services. The aim of the guidelines is to promote and support good practice and improve the quality of service provision, resulting in better outcomes. The Department continues to work with all local areas to address unmet needs and drug and alcohol misuse deaths, and to drive improvements in the continuity of care. This includes the Unmet Need Toolkit, which can be used by local areas to assess local need and plan to meet it.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure continual engagement with the crypto and digital asset industry.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury engages regularly with a range of stakeholders in the crypto and digital asset sectors, and the progress Government has made on developing a financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets has been made possible by this constructive, ongoing engagement with industry.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of issuing guidance to banks on providing access to bank accounts for crypto and digital asset businesses in the UK.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to banking services is critical for operating a business, and is a matter of concern for certain sectors in particular such as the digital asset industry.

The Government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area.

The Government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) work to date on the factors leading banks to reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the Government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly.

With regard to account closures, the Government expects businesses to be treated fairly, and has brought forward legislation to enhance relevant protections in cases where consumers and businesses have their bank account terminated by their provider.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with (a) the crypto and digital asset industry and (b) the UK banking industry on UK bank accounts for crypto and digital asset businesses.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to banking services is critical for operating a business, and is a matter of concern for certain sectors in particular such as the digital asset industry.

The Government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area.

The Government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) work to date on the factors leading banks to reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the Government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly.

With regard to account closures, the Government expects businesses to be treated fairly, and has brought forward legislation to enhance relevant protections in cases where consumers and businesses have their bank account terminated by their provider.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to bring forward regulations to ensure that crypto and digital asset businesses can open a UK bank account.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to banking services is critical for operating a business, and is a matter of concern for certain sectors in particular such as the digital asset industry.

The Government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area.

The Government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) work to date on the factors leading banks to reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the Government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly.

With regard to account closures, the Government expects businesses to be treated fairly, and has brought forward legislation to enhance relevant protections in cases where consumers and businesses have their bank account terminated by their provider.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies on (a) crypto and (b) digital asset regulation of policies on those matters in overseas jurisdictions.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government intends to bring forward final legislation before the end of the year.

In developing the regime, the Government has sought to strike the right balance between attracting business to the UK while facilitating the UK’s access to global markets (and vice versa).

The UK – through representation from HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – has played an active role in the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) workstreams on cryptoassets and will continue to engage with the FSB’s future cryptoasset workstreams.

The Government remains committed to working closely with international partners, and through global fora, on our response to developments in the cryptoasset sector as they emerge.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress she has made through (a) the G7, (b) the G20 and (c) other international forums on developing global standards for crypto and digital asset regulation.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government intends to bring forward final legislation before the end of the year.

In developing the regime, the Government has sought to strike the right balance between attracting business to the UK while facilitating the UK’s access to global markets (and vice versa).

The UK – through representation from HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – has played an active role in the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) workstreams on cryptoassets and will continue to engage with the FSB’s future cryptoasset workstreams.

The Government remains committed to working closely with international partners, and through global fora, on our response to developments in the cryptoasset sector as they emerge.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with overseas regulators on the development of global standards for crypto and digital assets.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government intends to bring forward final legislation before the end of the year.

In developing the regime, the Government has sought to strike the right balance between attracting business to the UK while facilitating the UK’s access to global markets (and vice versa).

The UK – through representation from HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – has played an active role in the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) workstreams on cryptoassets and will continue to engage with the FSB’s future cryptoasset workstreams.

The Government remains committed to working closely with international partners, and through global fora, on our response to developments in the cryptoasset sector as they emerge.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans she has for UK Government participation in the development of global international standards for crypto and digital assets.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government intends to bring forward final legislation before the end of the year.

In developing the regime, the Government has sought to strike the right balance between attracting business to the UK while facilitating the UK’s access to global markets (and vice versa).

The UK – through representation from HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – has played an active role in the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) workstreams on cryptoassets and will continue to engage with the FSB’s future cryptoasset workstreams.

The Government remains committed to working closely with international partners, and through global fora, on our response to developments in the cryptoasset sector as they emerge.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that regulation of the (a) crypto and (b) digital asset sector helps to (i) protect consumers and (ii) foster innovation in the sector.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government intends to bring forward final legislation before the end of the year.

The Government’s approach seeks to strike the right balance between protecting consumers and giving firms regulatory certainty, while ensuring the sector has the space and flexibility to innovate.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals on (a) crypto and (b) digital assets.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government intends to bring forward final legislation before the end of the year.

The Government’s approach seeks to strike the right balance between protecting consumers and giving firms regulatory certainty, while ensuring the sector has the space and flexibility to innovate.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of extended producer responsibility schemes on the finances of pubs in (a) the UK and (b) other European countries with similar schemes.

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

In October 2024, the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment did not compare the impact of fees to international schemes. Illustrative base fee estimates for the UK are in the same order of magnitude of other countries’ fees. However, comparisons are not straightforward because of differences in waste infrastructure and waste management approaches.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to work with relevant authorities to prevent heat-related deaths in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP) aims to protect everyone from the health effects of adverse weather and to build community resilience. The plan informs local preparedness activities, including in the Borough of Romford. The 2025 to 2026 AWHP is available at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fe2667694d57c6b1cf8d3c/AWHP_2025_to_2026.pdf

The plan is supported by a series of guidance materials for stakeholders to prepare for and respond to significant adverse weather events. The heat health alerts provide suggested actions according to the alert level. People can sign up to access the Weather Health Alerts email service at the following link:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mRRO7jVKLkutR188-d6GZn06Ss-xPLpCuYeyOZ-eFiFUMEVIMDRTOE5FVzFFM0NXNjFMWUlWMkJVMCQlQCN0PWcu

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost to the public purse of making prescriptions free for people with chronic, long-term conditions.

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

The Department has made no estimate. There are extensive arrangements currently in place in England to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for everyone, including for those with chronic, long-term conditions.

Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place, for which those with heart disease may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.

People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The scheme provides income related help to people who are not automatically exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help if they have a low income and savings below a defined limit.

To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three month and 12 month certificates available, which can be paid for in instalments.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of extended producer responsibility charges on the viability of brewers participation in the glass bottle market.

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

In October 2024, the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment did not split the assessment by sector.

The Government has worked closely with industry, including the brewing sector, throughout development of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR). Feedback from stakeholders was factored into finalising the regulations, including formally consulting stakeholders on a draft of the pEPR regulations in 2023.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase public awareness of pre-payment certificates as a means to help reduce the cost of prescriptions.

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

Promotion of pre-payment certificates (PPCs) is carried out by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), who promote the use of their online eligibility checker in the first instance, to enable people to check if they are entitled to free prescriptions or the NHS Low Income Scheme, before they purchase a PPC. They undertake PPC-specific communications activity such as:

- paid social media adverts, for instance running adverts in 2023/24 and 2024/25 to promote PPCs;

- posts on the Help with Health Costs Facebook and X channels promoting PPCs, with about one per week, amongst information about other exemptions;

- collaboration with NHS England to run a social media campaign promoting PPCs to people with certain medical conditions that aren’t covered by a medical exemption certificate;

- promotion of PPCs to pharmacy teams in a quarterly e-bulletin; and

- work with the media to place stories promoting PPCs, which are typically annual data-led media releases.

NHSBSA analysis shows that in 2023/24 an estimated 3.3 million patients received a prescription using a PPC, while the number of PPCs issued has steadily risen from approximately 2.29 million in 2018/19 to approximately three million in 2023/24, suggesting growing awareness. Additionally, the hormone replacement therapy PPC was introduced in 2023/24, and 566,000 certificates were issued in its first year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has taken recent steps to increase naval co-operation between the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy have strengthened their naval cooperation through joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and collaborative projects such as the deployment of HMCS Ville de Quebec with the Carrier Strike Group and the development of the Global Combat Ship platform.

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 work with relevant authorities to prevent wildfires.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Each fire and rescue authority is required to plan for the foreseeable risks in their area (including wildfire), through their Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), and having regard to the views of other key local responders.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is the lead government department for wildfire response (from 1 April 2025) and owns the National Risk Register (NRR) wildfire risk, however a coordinated approach is essential to mitigate the impact on people, property, habitats, livestock, natural capital and wildlife, and to plan the most effective response to incidents. MHCLG maintains regular engagement with other government departments including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Cabinet Office, along with National Bodies including the National Fire Chiefs Council and England and Wales Wildfire Forum to monitor and review sector led improvements and mitigations. Since 2024 the government has funded a National Resilience Wildfire Advisor to assess what additional wildfire national capabilities might be needed to increase resilience to the wildfire risk and to ensure coordination of approaches across the sector.

In December 2021 the Home Office, as the former lead government department for wildfire, published the Wildfire Framework for England. The framework identifies responsibilities, clarifies relationships, and facilitates coordination at the government level and between key wildfire stakeholders, in England.

As outlined in the Wildfire Framework for England, Defra maintain responsibility for the review of land management inputs for fuel load management, and for the promotion of wildfire mitigation and adaptation planning to land managers. Landowners and land managers are encouraged to adopt good quality wildfire management plans, use sustainable methods to manage habitat and restore their peatland – wetter, healthy-functioning peatlands are more resilient to the risk of wildfire.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to require all (a) dogs and (b) cats to be treated against tick borne diseases prior to entering the UK.

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

The Government takes biosecurity very seriously. Disease risk is monitored carefully and is kept under constant review. Where necessary we have the powers in legislation to introduce preventive health measures to protect animal or public health by controlling diseases or infections that are likely to be spread due to the movement of pet animals into Great Britain.

We will continue to monitor and consider any further actions that may be necessary to prevent tick borne diseases as appropriate.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to ensure that the nutritional value of food served in cafeterias in state education facilities is (a) maintained and (b) improved.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

It is important that children eat nutritious food at school and the department encourages schools to have a whole school approach to healthy eating. The school food standards regulate the food and drink provided at school. School governors and trustees have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the school food standards and should work with the headteacher and the senior leadership team to ensure the school is meeting its obligations.

To support governors and trustees, the department, along with National Governance Association, are running a pilot online training course on school food.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to work with the relevant authorities to ensure food hygiene standards are (a) maintained and (b) improved in cafeterias in state education facilities.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the government body with policy responsibility for food safety. All supply of food is required by law to be safe. School cafeterias that provide food on a regular basis are registered food businesses and inspected periodically by the local authority environmental health service to ensure hygiene procedures are compliant with the food hygiene regulations. Departmental officials engage with the FSA on a range of topics.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many people are employed as technical cooperation officers to support the Government of Saint Helena; and what the total cost of of those posts is.

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

The St Helena Government employs technical cooperation officers in key positions across its portfolios including health, education, legal chambers and the police where it is not possible to recruit locally. The St Helena Government has responsibility for the recruitment of its human resources and the remuneration provided.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the (a) pay and (b) benefits of (i) UK and (ii) Saint Helenian police officers of the same rank serving in Saint Helena are comparable.

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

In St Helena, a locally recruited Police Constable's starting salary is £12,049 per year, which is above the national average salary (£9,970). The St Helena Government has responsibility for setting pay and benefits levels for members of The Royal St Helena Police Service, including those appointed as technical cooperation officers.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, by what year he expects Saint Helena to become financially self-sustainable; and whether it is his policy that this will be primarily achieved through promoting tourism.

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

The St Helena Government leads on local economic development, with assistance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which provides technical and financial support. The UK funded Tourism Development Fund is supporting the development of the island's tourism industry, which has potential to drive forward greater financial self-sufficiency as visitor numbers grow.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent cold-related deaths of farm animals in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

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

All farm animals are protected by comprehensive and robust animal health and welfare legislation whether on-farm, during transport or at slaughter, with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 making it an offence either to cause any captive animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide the welfare needs of the animal.

It is the responsibility of livestock keepers and authorised transporters to have contingency plans in place to ensure their animals' welfare in extreme weather, including advice on checking on animals more regularly and ensuring all animals have easy access to water on a daily basis, and not transporting animals in temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. We also publish advice on GOV.UK specifically for keepers: Keeping farm animals and horses in extreme weather

Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) also closely monitors weather forecasts and issues guidance to all authorised transporters on key actions that can be taken when transporting animals to help mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent heat-related deaths of farm animals in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

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

All farm animals are protected by comprehensive and robust animal health and welfare legislation whether on-farm, during transport or at slaughter, with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 making it an offence either to cause any captive animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide the welfare needs of the animal.

It is the responsibility of livestock keepers and authorised transporters to have contingency plans in place to ensure their animals' welfare in extreme weather, including advice on checking on animals more regularly and ensuring all animals have easy access to water on a daily basis, and not transporting animals in temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. We also publish advice on GOV.UK specifically for keepers: Keeping farm animals and horses in extreme weather

Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) also closely monitors weather forecasts and issues guidance to all authorised transporters on key actions that can be taken when transporting animals to help mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of pub closures; and what steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of closures.

Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities, providing accessible jobs and supporting economic growth across the UK.

The Government is creating a fairer business rate system and reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper later this year.

We are working with the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges facing the sector. We are also working with Pub Is The Hub to help rural pubs adapt to the changing needs of their communities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues on how the UK can help to protect the Christian minority in Sudan.

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

Our Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), David Smith, met with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB in Geneva in March, where he reinforced the UK position that there is no space for religious intolerance in pluralistic, modern societies. He also made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 4 March, highlighting our concerns regarding the coercion of non-Muslims in Sudan to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid, and education. We continue to champion the right to FoRB for all by promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral fora, our bilateral work, and our programme funding. We will continue to recognise the issue of Christian persecution globally, alongside the persecution of other individuals on the basis of their religion or belief.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent heat-related deaths of household pets in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

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

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act), owners and keepers must protect their animals from harm and provide for their welfare needs in line with best practice.

The Act is supported by Codes of Practice for Dogs and Cats. The Codes include guidance on providing a suitable environment for the animal, including information on protecting the animal from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Local authorities and the police have powers to enforce the Act and can intervene where an animal is suspected to be suffering.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent cold-related deaths of household pets in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

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

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act), owners and keepers must protect their animals from harm and provide for their welfare needs in line with best practice.

The Act is supported by Codes of Practice for Dogs and Cats. The Codes include guidance on providing a suitable environment for the animal, including information on protecting the animal from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Local authorities and the police have powers to enforce the Act and can intervene where an animal is suspected to be suffering.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce harms done by (a) foxes and (b) badgers to agricultural property.

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

It is lawful for farmers and landowners to manage foxes causing damage to property, so long as this is done in a lawful and humane way. Advice on protecting property from damage by foxes is included in this Natural England guidance note: Foxes, moles and mink: how to protect your property from damage - GOV.UK. Badgers are a protected species. There are options to legally manage damage problems but if these are unsuccessful and the damage is serious, farmers may apply for a licence to take action to address damage problems from Natural England. There is no charge for these licences.

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 adequacy of the interim Syrian Government’s capacity to implement security measures to protect (a) Alawite, (b) Christian and (c) Druze communities in controlled areas.

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

We welcome the Syrian Government's reassurances to the Syrian population and international community that they will protect all civilians in Syria, and their establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate and prosecute individuals who committed crimes during the violence in early March. I discussed these points in my meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on 17 March. We will continue to monitor the treatment of all civilians in Syria, and this issue will continue to be an important aspect of our engagement with the Syrian Government and with regional and international partners.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to the interim Syrian Foreign Minister on the potential merits of establishing independent oversight mechanisms to monitor the protection of religious minorities.

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

We welcome the Syrian Government's reassurances to the Syrian population and international community that they will protect all civilians in Syria, and their establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate and prosecute individuals who committed crimes during the violence in early March. I discussed these points in my meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on 17 March. We will continue to monitor the treatment of all civilians in Syria, and this issue will continue to be an important aspect of our engagement with the Syrian Government and with regional and international partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to reduce the procurement time of new surface fleet assets for the (a) Royal Navy and (b) Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy are committed to accelerating the pace of procurement. In a period of ever-increasing technological advancement, the ability to harness new capabilities and leverage innovation at pace is critical to the Navy as a credible, modern and capable force. Accelerating procurement is recognised across Defence, forming an important outcome within the Defence Industrial Strategy, and is being considered as part of the Security Defence Review. The establishment of the National Armaments Director Group as part of Defence Reform also seeks to energise the military-industrial relationship to drive pace into procurement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to increase security of subsea infrastructure between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and the Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing their security. This is a whole-of-Government effort including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners.

The Royal Navy plays a critical part in this RFA Proteus. the UK's first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROS), is now operational and using its leading-edge technology to monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help prevent personnel reduction in the armed forces.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve Armed Forces recruitment and retention since July 2024.

To increase recruitment into the Armed Forces, recent policies have included a 35% pay increase for new recruits; one of the largest pay increases in the last 20 years for existing personnel; scrapping over 100 outdated medical policies; the implementation of a new military direct-entry cyber pathway; and setting an ambition to make a conditional offer of employment to candidates within 10 days, and a provisional training start date within 30 days. These activities and their impacts will inform the development of the Armed Forces Recruitment Service which is being implemented to further improve the speed with which highly motivated and capable people can join our Armed Forces.

To support retention of Armed Forces personnel, the Armed Forces pay increase represents a significant investment in our people, and we have gone further in announcing a £30,000 financial incentive to a cohort of tri-Service Air Engineers as well as an £8,000 retention payment for a cohort of Army personnel. These measures support the retention of key skills and personnel in Defence through appropriate financial recognition. Furthermore, in recognising the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation, we have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance, repurchased the Service Family Accommodation estate from Annington Homes and extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent cold-related deaths in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP) aims to protect everyone from the health effects of adverse weather, and to build community resilience. The plan informs local preparedness activities, including in the Borough of Romford, and is exercised regularly. The 2025 to 2026 AWHP is available at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fe2667694d57c6b1cf8d3c/AWHP_2025_to_2026.pdf

The plan is supported by a series of guidance materials to support stakeholders to prepare for and respond to significant adverse weather events. The cold health alerts provide sector specific suggested actions according to the alert level. People can sign up to access the Weather Health Alerts email service at the following link:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mRRO7jVKLkutR188-d6GZn06Ss-xPLpCuYeyOZ-eFiFUMEVIMDRTOE5FVzFFM0NXNjFMWUlWMkJVMCQlQCN0PWcu

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to increase the security of subsea infrastructure between the UK and Canada.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and the Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing their security. This is a whole-of-Government effort including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners.

The Royal Navy plays a critical part in this RFA Proteus. the UK's first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROS), is now operational and using its leading-edge technology to monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest.

Dementia Action Week 2025

UK-EU Summit (No. 2)

Imprisonment of Lucy Connolly

World Asthma Day 2025

Deaf Awareness Week 2025

80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in Newcastle-under-Lyme

25th anniversary of Ballynahinch Protestant Boys Flute Band

Service with the British Commanders’-In-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, 1946-1990

Snares

Publication of the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the Kingsmill Massacre

Upholding biological sex-based protections in single-sex spaces

Commemorating VE Day in Glasgow West constituency

Rory McIlroy’s grand slam victory

LED headlights

Birmingham bin strikes

Comic art

Public Hearts defibrillator campaign

Comments made by Kneecap

Mass deportation of illegal migrants

Armenian genocide

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Stress Awareness Month