Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to increase the provision of aid to the Sahrawi refugee camps, following the UN Secretary General’s report entitled Question of Western Sahara of 31 July 2025.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK continues to regularly meet and consult regional and international partners to discuss the issue of Western Sahara, including those from the peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN, civil society, and the broader international community. We continue to work with international partners to assess the situation and ensure UK aid reaches the most vulnerable, including Sahrawi refugees.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on the blocking of visits by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to occupied Western Sahara since 2015.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and welcomed Morocco's stated commitment to provide further details of what autonomy within a Moroccan state could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations. In that context, we continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The former Foreign Secretary last spoke to Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Bourita on 23 July and I met representatives of the Polisario Front on 5 August.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July to Question 64209 on Western Sahara: Human Rights, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Morocco on the details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and welcomed Morocco's stated commitment to provide further details of what autonomy within a Moroccan state could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations. In that context, we continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The former Foreign Secretary last spoke to Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Bourita on 23 July and I met representatives of the Polisario Front on 5 August.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) ringfencing a minimum amount of community justice funding specifically for residential rehabilitation services, (b) establishing formal pathways between prison to residential rehabilitation provision and recovery housing services and (c) facilitating integrated discharge planning including proactive pathways into (i) community integration, (ii) employment, (iii) education and (iv) recovery support as part of her plans for justice reform.
Answered by Nicholas Dakin - Vice Chamberlain (HM Household) (Whip, House of Commons)
We know continued engagement with treatment and recovery throughout an offender’s journey is vital to reduce drug misuse, drug-related crime, and reoffending. Responsibility for funding and commissioning of substance misuse treatment lies with the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS Wales. We work very closely with health partners to ensure pathways are accessible for offenders, including to residential rehabilitation which can be a valuable treatment option for some.
In line with recommendations from the Independent Sentencing Review, we want to divert more offenders away from custody where appropriate, including increasing the use of Drug Rehabilitation Requirements to address the underlying causes of offending. For those who do go to prison, accessing support to resettle effectively in the community is crucial, particularly as the first few weeks after release are high-risk for relapse, overdose, and reoffending.
To support this, community probation practitioners coordinate the overall rehabilitation of an offender, supported by pre-release teams. They work proactively with all prisoners to make sure the right support is on offer during their time in prison and prior to release to address resettlement needs such as accommodation, employment, and substance misuse. Health and Justice Partnership Coordinators work nationwide to support prison leavers to maintain recovery in the community, strengthening links between prisons, probation and treatment providers. The latest data for June 2025 shows that 54% of adults released with an ongoing substance misuse need engaged in treatment within 3 weeks of release, an increase from 38% in April 2021.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to include residential rehabilitation treatment in her plans for justice reform.
Answered by Nicholas Dakin - Vice Chamberlain (HM Household) (Whip, House of Commons)
We know continued engagement with treatment and recovery throughout an offender’s journey is vital to reduce drug misuse, drug-related crime, and reoffending. Responsibility for funding and commissioning of substance misuse treatment lies with the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS Wales. We work very closely with health partners to ensure pathways are accessible for offenders, including to residential rehabilitation which can be a valuable treatment option for some.
In line with recommendations from the Independent Sentencing Review, we want to divert more offenders away from custody where appropriate, including increasing the use of Drug Rehabilitation Requirements to address the underlying causes of offending. For those who do go to prison, accessing support to resettle effectively in the community is crucial, particularly as the first few weeks after release are high-risk for relapse, overdose, and reoffending.
To support this, community probation practitioners coordinate the overall rehabilitation of an offender, supported by pre-release teams. They work proactively with all prisoners to make sure the right support is on offer during their time in prison and prior to release to address resettlement needs such as accommodation, employment, and substance misuse. Health and Justice Partnership Coordinators work nationwide to support prison leavers to maintain recovery in the community, strengthening links between prisons, probation and treatment providers. The latest data for June 2025 shows that 54% of adults released with an ongoing substance misuse need engaged in treatment within 3 weeks of release, an increase from 38% in April 2021.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 66247 on Public Expenditure: Wales, when her Department plans to publish a new release of Block Grant Transparency data.
Answered by Darren Jones - Minister for Intergovernmental Relations
The Block Grant Transparency publication breaks down all changes in the devolved governments’ block grant funding from the 2015 Spending Review to Main Estimates 2023-24. The most recent report was published in July 2023.
The next publication will include a breakdown of devolved governments’ funding since the 2015 Spending Review up to and including Spending Review 2025 and will be published in due course.
Block Grant Transparency:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/block-grant-transparency-july-2023
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that Máire ní Mhurchú has access to legal representation following her detention by Israel.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We were in contact with the Irish embassy about the case, and we understand that she has since left Israel.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to (a) identify and (b) support people affected by the collapse of McClure solicitors.
Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
We are aware that the collapse has had a serious impact on a substantial number of former clients of McClure solicitors, particularly in relation to Family Protection trusts and other estate planning arrangements. The responsibility for regulation of such law firms lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which is independent of Government. Responsibility for regulating the legal profession rests with approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA sets professional standards that solicitors (and firms) must adhere to.
Given the independence of the legal profession and its regulators, the Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of individuals affected in Wales.
I have discussed the McClure solicitors firm collapse with the leadership of the SRA and urged them to take robust action.
The SRA has investigated the conduct of those former partners of WW&J McClure. While these former partners are no longer on the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales, the SRA keeps any relevant concerns on record. Should any of these individuals apply to return to the profession in the future, the SRA may consider taking appropriate action at that point. Further guidance can be found in the latest SRA update on WW&J McClure, available here: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Further, the SRA has required a formal compliance plan from Jones Whyte (who took on clients’ cases when McClure collapsed) and is overseeing its implementation. This plan includes specific undertakings to prioritise client contact, act promptly on instructions, and ensure that the interests of former McClure clients are protected. The SRA continues to monitor the handling of former McClure client matters by Jones Whyte Solicitors and is working with relevant bodies to address concerns raised.
Former clients of McClure may be eligible to pursue compensation claims through Lockton, the brokers responsible for professional indemnity cover under the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy. Claims under this route require individuals to demonstrate negligence, and legal advice may be necessary. It is also important to note that legal representatives may charge fees for their services in such matters.
In addition, the Legal Ombudsman may be able to assist individuals who are dissatisfied with the service they have received from a regulated legal provider, including delays or failures in communication.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent estimate has she made of the number of people in Wales who have had difficulty in dealing with their (a) property and (b) other investments placed in trusts following the collapse of McClure solicitors.
Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
We are aware that the collapse has had a serious impact on a substantial number of former clients of McClure solicitors, particularly in relation to Family Protection trusts and other estate planning arrangements. The responsibility for regulation of such law firms lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which is independent of Government. Responsibility for regulating the legal profession rests with approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA sets professional standards that solicitors (and firms) must adhere to.
Given the independence of the legal profession and its regulators, the Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of individuals affected in Wales.
I have discussed the McClure solicitors firm collapse with the leadership of the SRA and urged them to take robust action.
The SRA has investigated the conduct of those former partners of WW&J McClure. While these former partners are no longer on the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales, the SRA keeps any relevant concerns on record. Should any of these individuals apply to return to the profession in the future, the SRA may consider taking appropriate action at that point. Further guidance can be found in the latest SRA update on WW&J McClure, available here: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Further, the SRA has required a formal compliance plan from Jones Whyte (who took on clients’ cases when McClure collapsed) and is overseeing its implementation. This plan includes specific undertakings to prioritise client contact, act promptly on instructions, and ensure that the interests of former McClure clients are protected. The SRA continues to monitor the handling of former McClure client matters by Jones Whyte Solicitors and is working with relevant bodies to address concerns raised.
Former clients of McClure may be eligible to pursue compensation claims through Lockton, the brokers responsible for professional indemnity cover under the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy. Claims under this route require individuals to demonstrate negligence, and legal advice may be necessary. It is also important to note that legal representatives may charge fees for their services in such matters.
In addition, the Legal Ombudsman may be able to assist individuals who are dissatisfied with the service they have received from a regulated legal provider, including delays or failures in communication.
Asked by: Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2024 to Question 4409 on Taxation: International Cooperation, what recent steps she has taken to support the implementation of UN General Assembly resolution A /RES/78/230 on the Promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations adopted on 22 December 2023.
Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The UK is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective international tax cooperation, and has been engaging in discussions at the UN over a future Framework Convention, including the recent informal sessions for the technical workstreams.
The UK believes that a UN Tax Framework Convention has the potential to further advance international tax cooperation, but to be successful, it needs to be clear in its aims, avoid duplicating initiatives, and seek to secure the broad support and participation of members.