Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential financial impact of uprating the pensions of British pensioners overseas whose state pensions are currently frozen.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

No assessment has been made.

The UK's policy on the up-rating of the UK State Pension for recipients living overseas is a longstanding one. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide and is uprated abroad where we have a legal requirement to do so, for example in countries with which we have a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating.

Up-rating is based on levels of earnings growth and price inflation in the UK which has no direct relevance where the pensioner is resident overseas.

Over many years, priority is given to those living in the United Kingdom when drawing up expenditure plans for additional pensioner benefits.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking with the devolved Administrations to help (a) reduce waiting times for gynaecological services and (b) address menstrual health inequalities.

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

Whilst health is a devolved issue, we intend to work closely with our partners across the devolved administrations in providing support and sharing best practice, to reduce waiting lists and fix the National Health Service. Cutting waiting lists, including for gynaecology, is a key part of our Health Mission and a top priority for the Government. The Government is committed to putting patients first, which means making sure that they are seen on time and have the best possible experience during their care, no matter where they are treated in the United Kingdom.

The Government is also committed to prioritising women’s health, as we build an NHS fit for the future, and women’s equality will be at the heart of our missions. Department officials have met and continue to meet with counterparts across the four nations to share learning across a range of women’s health policy issues, including menstrual health. Together we aim to deliver faster, improved, and more equitable health outcomes for all patients across the UK, and to strengthen our collaboration in achieving these common goals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will introduce a medal for (a) seriously injured and (b) medically retired service personnel.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

Service personnel who are injured and evacuated from a medal earning operational deployment are awarded the relevant Campaign, Operational, or General Service medal regardless of whether or not they have served the required number of days for the medal.

While, at this time, the Ministry of Defence has no plans to recommend the introduction of a new medal for Service personnel who are seriously injured or medically discharged from Service for non-operational reasons, there is always the opportunity to look into this.

It is important to note that the Department cannot unilaterally introduce such a medal since this would require the agreement of the cross-Government Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals, and ultimately The Sovereign.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on ensuring that bereaved families in Scotland are provided with a key worker to support them after the loss of a child.

Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland

The UK Government is committed to supporting those who have experienced the loss of a child through a range of reserved measures, including Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave.

My officials have regular discussions with their Scottish Government counterparts on a wide range of policy matters. Provision of social care for bereaved families is a devolved matter and my department stands ready to assist the Scottish Government to ensure this care is accessible to those who need it.

UN Special Rapporteur's report on atrocity crimes in Iran

Assistance and access for disabled people at railway stations

Potential closure of post offices

Variety Disability Sports Awards

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Carers Rights Day 2024

Carers Rights Day

Bus fare cap hike

Emergency care

Family visas

Social care workers and National Insurance

Spirit duty on Scotch whisky

Visually impaired cricket team Australia tour

OVO Energy monthly fees for paper format bills

Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief

Found: We have a supplementary from our colleague Angus MacDonald.

Found: We have a supplementary from our colleague Angus MacDonald.

Found: Chair); Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Stephen Flynn; Lillian Jones; Douglas McAllister; Mr Angus Macdonald

Submit Evidence (by 5 Jan 2025)

This inquiry will examine the framework for fiscal devolution in Scotland. The Committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the Barnett formula and the fiscal framework in calculating the amount of money available for providing devolved services in Scotland. As part of this, the Committee will examine the interaction between UK Government fiscal events and in-year budgetary changes, and the impact they can have on the funding of Scotland's public services.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Jan 2025)

The Committee will be investigating the transition to net zero in Scotland’s energy sector, and how the UK Government can support a transition that maximises opportunities for jobs and economic growth. As part of this, the Committee will examine how GB Energy and other interventions can most effectively back the development of clean energy.