David Taylor

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

All teachers are teachers of SEND, and high-quality teaching is central to ensuring that pupils with SEND are given the best possible opportunity to achieve at school.

Consideration of SEND underpins the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Core Content Framework (CCF) and the Early Career Framework (ECF), both of which were developed with input from sector experts to outline the mandatory training for new teachers. The frameworks have been designed to support all pupils to succeed, including those pupils identified within the four areas of need set out in the SEND code of practice. Headteachers are provided the flexibility to use their professional judgement to identify any further training, including in specific specialisms.

All mainstream schools must have a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) who must be a qualified teacher, or the head teacher, working at the school. On 1 September 2024, the government introduced a new mandatory leadership level National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs. The NPQ will play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND by ensuring that SENCOs consistently receive high-quality, evidence-based training. This is crucial given the central role SENCOs play in supporting pupils with SEND.

The department’s Universal SEND Services programme offers free SEND-specific continuing professional development for the school and further education workforce. It is delivered by National Association for Special Educational Needs (Nasen). The department works closely with Nasen to ensure the programme supports professionals across all of England. Since the programme commenced in May 2022, school and college staff have completed over 15,500 online training modules.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

All teachers are teachers of SEND, and high-quality teaching is central to ensuring that pupils with SEND are given the best possible opportunity to achieve at school.

Consideration of SEND underpins the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Core Content Framework (CCF) and the Early Career Framework (ECF), both of which were developed with input from sector experts to outline the mandatory training for new teachers. The frameworks have been designed to support all pupils to succeed, including those pupils identified within the four areas of need set out in the SEND code of practice. Headteachers are provided the flexibility to use their professional judgement to identify any further training, including in specific specialisms.

All mainstream schools must have a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) who must be a qualified teacher, or the head teacher, working at the school. On 1 September 2024, the government introduced a new mandatory leadership level National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs. The NPQ will play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND by ensuring that SENCOs consistently receive high-quality, evidence-based training. This is crucial given the central role SENCOs play in supporting pupils with SEND.

The department’s Universal SEND Services programme offers free SEND-specific continuing professional development for the school and further education workforce. It is delivered by National Association for Special Educational Needs (Nasen). The department works closely with Nasen to ensure the programme supports professionals across all of England. Since the programme commenced in May 2022, school and college staff have completed over 15,500 online training modules.

The Secretary of State recently met with water company bosses, including Thames Water, to make it clear that water firms will be held accountable for their performance for customers and the environment. Furthermore, after writing to Ofwat, the Secretary of State has secured agreement that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. Ofwat will also ensure that when money for investment is not spent, companies refund customers, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.

The Government also announced a new Water (Special Measures) Bill, which will turn around the performance of water companies, in the King’s Speech. The Bill will strengthen regulation, give the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met and increase accountability for water executives. These are the first critical steps in enabling a long-term and transformative reset of the entire water sector.

I would also refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement made by the Secretary of State on 18 July, HCWS3.

The Environment Agency will publish the 2024 Event Duration Monitoring data, showing how long and how often storm overflows have been used, in March 2025. The data for previous years is available here.

The Secretary of State for Transport has had no direct discussions with the Mayor of London or Transport for London (TfL) on this particular matter. However, the Department for Transport has recognised the need to regulate the Pedicabs industry in London through the passing of the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. This legislation will be applied through regulations to be consulted on by TfL in 2025. We would expect TfL to take into account equalities considerations throughout the consultation process.

The Secretary of State for Transport has had no direct discussions with the Mayor of London or Transport for London (TfL) on this particular matter. However, the Department for Transport has recognised the need to regulate the Pedicabs industry in London through the passing of the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. This legislation will be applied through regulations to be consulted on by TfL in 2025. We would expect TfL to take into account the safety and wellbeing of pedestrians throughout the consultation process.

The Secretary of State for Transport has had no direct discussions with the Mayor of London or Transport for London (TfL) on this particular matter. However, the Department for Transport has recognised the need to regulate the Pedicabs industry in London through the passing of the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. This legislation will be applied through regulations to be consulted on by TfL in 2025. We would expect TfL to take into account the Highway Code throughout the consultation process.

The Secretary of State for Transport has had no direct discussions with the Mayor of London or Transport for London (TfL) on this particular matter. However, the Department for Transport has recognised the need to regulate the Pedicabs industry in London through the passing of the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. This legislation is not intended to ban the usage of Pedicabs in London, but to ensure that they are properly regulated. These prospective regulations will be now consulted upon by TfL in 2025, and we would expect TfL to take into account the various impacts of any pedicabs regulations on levels of congestion, pavement safety and the safety of cyclists throughout the consultation process.

The Government is clear that performance on the West Coast Main Line has not been good enough with too many cancellations and delays.

Ministers recently met with the Managing Director of Avanti West Coast and the Network Rail West Coast South Route Director to challenge them on poor performance and demand immediate action to deliver urgent improvements relating to service reliability. Ministers will be meeting them again next month to follow-up and to ensure progress.

In their capacity as the independent safety regulator, the Office of Rail and Road has not raised any concerns regarding signalling safety on the West Coast Mainline.

The Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for improving access to healthcare services in Hertfordshire.

NHS England has informed us that the ICB is delivering its responsibility to improve support for those in mental health crisis through the launch of a Mental Health Urgent Care Centre, providing a more appropriate and therapeutic environment at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage. The ICB has also increased children and young people’s mental health access by 44% year-on-year, according to the latest data.

According to NHS England’s assessment, people across Hertfordshire now have significantly improved access to blood pressure checks across a range of settings, including general practice, community pharmacy, some dental and optometry sites, outpatient departments, and through community services.

A purpose-built theatre suite is set to open at St Albans City Hospital in Spring 2025. The ICB states that this will provide non-complex orthopaedic, hip and knee surgery, spinal injections, and ear, nose and throat procedures for approximately 4,400 patients per year, from across the ICB’s area.

The 10-Year Health Plan will consider the change needed to meet the three Health Mission goals, those being: a fairer system where everyone lives well for longer; a National Health Service that is there when people need it; and fewer lives lost to the biggest killers.

The Adult Social Care Activity Report is published annually by NHS England. This statistics publication is the main data source for our analysis of adult social care expenditure. It includes statistics about overall levels of spending and breaks these down by setting, primary support reason, and age group. It also includes statistics about the unit costs of different types of adult social care.

No specific assessment has been made. The appropriate provision and configuration of local services to best meet the needs of the local population and patients is a matter for National Health Service commissioners to consider.

The Government has been clear that NHS services are currently not meeting the high standards that patients should expect, and is committed to supporting the NHS to return to the standards set out in the NHS Constitution.

As a first step, my Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has appointed the Professor Lord Darzi to lead an independent investigation of NHS performance, which will report in September 2024.

We are aware of the Special Rapporteur's report relating to "atrocity crimes" of the 1980s, including the summary, arbitrary and extra-judicial execution of dissidents. The execution of dissidents and political opponents is a deliberate attempt to instil fear and stifle dissent. We will continue to support UN Special Procedures including the Special Rapporteur in their mandate to highlight the Islamic Republic's historic and current human rights violations. The UK was proud to help deliver the Iran Human Rights Resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November, which called for Iran to establish a moratorium on executions and to end the persecution of political opponents.

We are aware of the Special Rapporteur's report relating to "atrocity crimes" of the 1980s, including the summary, arbitrary and extra-judicial execution of dissidents. The execution of dissidents and political opponents is a deliberate attempt to instil fear and stifle dissent. We will continue to support UN Special Procedures including the Special Rapporteur in their mandate to highlight the Islamic Republic's historic and current human rights violations. The UK was proud to help deliver the Iran Human Rights Resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November, which called for Iran to establish a moratorium on executions and to end the persecution of political opponents.

The UK continues to track Russia's deportation of Ukrainian children, which is a clear violation of international law. We were pleased to see another group of children returned via Qatari mediation in September, and are grateful for Qatar's continued engagement on this issue. The UK participated in the most recent meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on 1 October and continues to work closely with the Ukrainian government on this issue. We have also raised Russia's deportation of Ukrainian children at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the UN and the Human Rights Council.

The UK is appalled by reports that Ukrainian children living under Russian occupation and Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported to Russia are being forced to take Russian citizenship, as well as subsequent reports that these children are being adopted into Russian families. The UK was pleased to participate in the most recent meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on 1 October. We will continue to raise Russia's attempts to erase the Ukrainian identity of these children at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the UN and the Human Rights Council.

This government is working hard to ensure the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as quickly as possible, in line with the UK's unilateral declaration. The government is fully committed to that position, as part of our iron-clad support for Ukraine. UK officials continue to hold discussions with Mr Abramovich's representatives, experts and international partners, and we are doubling down on our efforts to reach a resolution.

Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a top priority for this Government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.

The Government recently announced Respect Orders which will be introduced through the Crime and Policing Bill. Respect Orders can be applied for by the police and local councils and are issued by the courts. They will enable courts to place wide-ranging restrictions on the behaviour of the most persistent and disruptive ASB offenders.

Respect Orders will be piloted prior to national rollout to make sure they are as effective as possible. Consideration will be given to where the pilots will take place in due course.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this Government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.

That’s why this Government will put thousands of new neighbourhood police and community support officers into local communities across the country, so residents know they will have someone to turn to when things go wrong.

We will crack down on those causing havoc on our high streets by introducing tougher powers, including new Respect Orders to tackle repeat offending, and we will give the police stronger powers to crack down on the antisocial use of dangerous and deafening off-road bikes.

The Government will update the House in due course on the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending, including ODA-eligible spending to support asylum seekers and refugees within the UK.

The Government has engaged with people affected by the Ban throughout the response to the Independent Review; the response can be viewed at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lgbt-veterans-independent-review-government-response.

Defence has worked closely with key stakeholders on the design of the scheme, enabling the voices of the veterans to be heard. Indications of interest were invited through the application process for non-financial restorative measures, aiding Defence in understanding more about the affected community and ensuring that the scheme considers the needs of the community. Further information regarding the restorative measures can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lgbt-veterans-apply-for-restorative-measures.

I recently held a briefing in which I welcomed questions and listened to the concerns of veterans directly from their MPs. This Government is committed to holding a Parliamentary debate to ensure Parliamentary scrutiny is given to the design of the scheme and that all veterans concerns may be represented.

Further information about available support and next steps can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/lgbt-veterans-support-and-next-steps

The Ministry of Defence has prioritised its support to Ukraine, including establishing processes to ensure equipment that is retiring, or is surplus to UK military requirements, is considered for donation to Ukraine. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence has enabled the transfer of donated equipment e.g. vehicles, to Ukraine from private organisations, or Other Government Departments such as the Home Office.

We will continue to support and enable donations of equipment.

We welcome support for Ukraine from across civil soceity. In coordination with the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) cohere donation offers from Industry and assists companies in achieving this goal. DBT regularly meets with defence and security trade associations to discuss requirements, based on Ukraine’s specific requests for equipment.