Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the role of small engine supplies on the number of small boat crossings in the English Channel.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The creation of the Border Security Command (BSC) in 2024 brought together the UK's response to organised immigration crime, strengthening coordination across law enforcement, intelligence and international partners to tackle the criminal networks facilitating illegal migration.

Since 2024, the National Crime Agency working with international partners have disrupted the supply chains used by organised immigration crime groups. This includes action against suppliers, facilitators and money launderers, as well as the seizure of more than 1,100 boats and engines since the election, preventing equipment from being used in dangerous small boat crossings

We are confident this coordinated approach is delivering results. The lower number of small boat arrivals seen in 2026 reflects the sustained activity being undertaken across the border security system to secure the border and target the criminal gangs behind these crossings.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she has taken to review levels of gambling advertising.

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

The Government is clear that all policy and regulatory decisions related to gambling advertising must be made by considering a wide range of impartial, accurate and up-to-date research.

We will always consider a wide range of evidence, including on the volume of advertising, when making policy and regulatory decisions. This remains an area we keep under regular review.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration she has given to piloting solar PV reuse schemes.

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

This is not something the government has given consideration, although we are aware markets exist for second hand solar PV in the UK and that countries such as Australia are piloting recycling schemes.

Legislation is in place to control the disposal of solar equipment at the end of its life for the collection and recycling of old PV panels with some companies globally and in the UK able to take the materials from the panels to use in different industries.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of making education on antisemitism mandatory in schools.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

There is no place for antisemitism in our society.

There are opportunities in school to learn about contemporary antisemitism in lessons such as citizenship. It is also covered in a historical context as part of Holocaust education, which is an important mandatory part of the national curriculum.

The department supports teachers through our Educate Against Hate website, which provides teachers with a range of free, quality-assured resources, including on building resilience to antisemitism, teaching about tolerance and rejecting discrimination.

The department has asked Sir David Bell to undertake an independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, which will include a consideration of learning in schools. This review is due to be published later this autumn.

We have also committed £7 million to fund projects and programmes to improve confidence and resilience in tackling antisemitism in education.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration he has given to the potential merits of removing VAT on sunscreen.

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

VAT rules allow drugs and medications that are dispensed by a registered pharmacist against a prescription issued by a qualifying health professional to be zero rated for VAT. High-factor sunscreen is already on the NHS prescription list for certain conditions and is provided VAT-free when dispensed by a pharmacist to these patients. However, items which are not prescribed by a health professional and dispensed by a pharmacist do not qualify for the relief, even though they may have health benefits. 

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration has she given to the potential merits of introducing a government wide strategy to reduce overfishing in UK waters.

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

The Government is committed to maintaining or restoring fish stocks to sustainable levels whilst supporting the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry.

The Government's approach to reducing the risk of overfishing is set out through the Fisheries Act 2020, Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), which together provide the UK's strategic framework for sustainable fisheries management. Eleven Defra-led FMPs have been published and are being implemented, with the final four due to be published this year.

Our approach is based on the best available scientific advice and supports the sustainable management of fish stocks over the long term.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support humanitarian access into Sudan to provide aid for civilians.

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

The UK has worked ceaselessly since the conflict broke out to push for a ceasefire, prevent atrocities, and this year will spend £146 million on humanitarian aid, making us the third largest bilateral donor.

As UN Security Council (UNSC) penholder for Sudan, we have secured eight resolutions and twelve press statements galvanising global action in support of a ceasefire. In April, we co-hosted the International Sudan Conference in Berlin, which helped to cohere the 55 states present to press for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Ministers regularly speak to all those with influence on this conflict - including members of the Quad, the Quintet, and through our Special Representative to Sudan the warring parties themselves - to work towards a ceasefire.

Through our humanitarian funding this year, we are providing £15 million to local responders and mutual aid groups, who are often able to deliver aid to communities in the hardest-to-reach areas where international humanitarian organisations are often prevented from going.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to work toward a ceasefire in Sudan.

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

The UK has worked ceaselessly since the conflict broke out to push for a ceasefire, prevent atrocities, and this year will spend £146 million on humanitarian aid, making us the third largest bilateral donor.

As UN Security Council (UNSC) penholder for Sudan, we have secured eight resolutions and twelve press statements galvanising global action in support of a ceasefire. In April, we co-hosted the International Sudan Conference in Berlin, which helped to cohere the 55 states present to press for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Ministers regularly speak to all those with influence on this conflict - including members of the Quad, the Quintet, and through our Special Representative to Sudan the warring parties themselves - to work towards a ceasefire.

Through our humanitarian funding this year, we are providing £15 million to local responders and mutual aid groups, who are often able to deliver aid to communities in the hardest-to-reach areas where international humanitarian organisations are often prevented from going.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of establishing a recognised second-life certification pathway for solar PV.

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

This is not something we have made an assessment of, although note it would support the transition to a circular economy.

We note that solar panels are nontoxic, with around 85% of their materials being suitable for recycling.

Legislation is in place to control the disposal of solar equipment at the end of its life for the collection and recycling of old PV panels with some companies globally and in the UK able to take the materials from the panels to use in different industries.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to allow greater flexibility within Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) eligibility where solar installations can demonstrate safety and compliance, even if they fall outside standard Microgeneration Certification Scheme routes.

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

The eligibility criteria for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) are set out in legislation. These require installations and installers to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or a scheme accredited as equivalent. The Government has no current plans to review this requirement but will consider all scheme feedback received in the forthcoming SEG review.

Although such certification is required to access the SEG, suppliers remain free to offer export tariffs outside the SEG.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had his international counterparts, including China's, on preventing smuggling gangs accessing small engine supplies.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In his recent meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Foreign Secretary discussed a range of global issues. Under the Border Security agreement signed between the UK and China, our law enforcement agencies are working with Chinese authorities to prevent small boat engines and equipment used in Channel crossings getting into the hands of criminal gangs. Our work with international partners to disrupt their criminal supply chains has led to the seizure of more than 1,100 small boats and engines since the election.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration has the Government made of providing free software for low income self employed people to assist with compliance as part of the roll out of Making Tax Digital.

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

The government has worked closely with the software industry to ensure the availability of a broad range of MTD-compatible products to suit different needs and budgets.

This includes free products supporting those with the simplest affairs, low-cost bridging software for those who prefer to continue using spreadsheets and more sophisticated products that integrate with other business software.

Currently, there are more than 20 free products (excluding free trials) covering a range of different scenarios including bookkeeping, quarterly updates and end-of-year submissions

HMRC is not providing its own MTD solution because commercial software providers are better positioned to be able to provide a broad range of products to meet the diverse needs of businesses and landlords.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support or emergency grant funding her Department provides to animal welfare charities and rescue shelters experiencing high surrender rates of pets.

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

Defra meets with stakeholders regularly to understand issues and trends that are affecting the companion animal sector, including the impact of the rise in the cost of living on pet keepers and welfare organisations.

This Government does not provide grant funding to animal welfare charities and rescue shelters, however, it welcomes the support such stakeholders are providing such as through pet food banks and financial support with veterinary treatment, which is helping to reduce the pressure on pet owners and the risk of pet abandonment.

Additionally, the Codes of Practice for Dogs and Cats remind prospective owners that owning a pet is a major responsibility, including financial and time implications which should be considered before getting a pet.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps is the UK taking to help the Syrian Government develop governance and security structures which reflect the religious and ethnic makeup of that country.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided by the former Minister for the Middle East on 4 June in response to Question 5915.

Josh Kerr

Political donations and campaign finance regulation

Essential energy guarantee

2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive

Funding of Jodrell Bank Observatory

Devon maternity services

E1 settlement project and international law

Josh Kerr's mile world record

Contribution of cinemas to local communities

World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers

Stirling Pride 2026

Baby Loss Awareness Week

Road fuel prices

John McNab Not In Vain campaign

UK participation in the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank

Support for hospices

National Emergency Briefing

Memorial plaque for Ann Widdecombe

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

20th anniversary of Forth Valley Sensory Centre

60 years of scientific diving at Heriot-Watt University

Dolly Parton

Glasgow Times: 150th anniversary

30th anniversary of the birth of Dolly the Sheep

30th anniversary of Maggie's Cancer Care

First female guizer jarl in Shetland’s Junior Up Helly Aa

Miscarriage care

Specialist and leading research at Forth Valley College

Five-year indefinite leave to remain pathway for Skilled Worker visa holders (No. 2)

UK digital sovereignty strategy

Enhertu for metastatic breast cancer patients

Toxicity testing on animals

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Christine Jardine (Interim Chair); Alex Brewer; Rosie Duffield; Kim

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Christine Jardine (Chair); Dame Nia Griffith; Kim Leadbeater; Kevin

This is a follow-up evidence session to the Committee's report on 'Cosmetic procedures' published in February 2026.