Douglas McAllister

Digital inclusion is a priority for me and for Government. It means everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in a modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. Work is ongoing to develop our approach to tackling digital exclusion and we hope to announce more on this soon. We look forward working closely with the third sector, business and the Devolved Governments, to ensure interventions are targeted to and based on individual needs.

There are no plans to meet with any campaign groups.

We have no plans to do so.

We have no such plans.

We are getting on with delivery. Fundamental reform will be delivered through:

• Transformation of jobcentres to support people into and on in work.

• Working with local areas to tackle economic inactivity.

A Youth Guarantee for 18-21's in England to benefit from education, training or help to find work.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

In November 2023, the Government and Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) announced the £42 million TRANSFORM screening trial to find the best way to screen men for prostate cancer, in order to find it before it becomes advanced and harder to treat. PCUK is managing the award on behalf of the funders, with the Government contributing £16 million through the NIHR.

Once received, the protocol will be published on the NIHR’s website on the funding and awards page. This is expected to contain details of the site selection criteria. TRANSFORM will aim to recruit men from across the United Kingdom, including Scotland.

The Department funds research into leukaemia through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR spent £133 million on cancer research in 2023/24.

In leukaemia research, for example, the NIHR is funding the £2.6 million PROPEL trial, testing whether a package of enhanced personalised prehabilitation can help people with acute myeloid leukaemia secure better outcomes after treatment.

NHS England has implemented non symptom specific pathways for patients who present with non-specific symptoms or combinations thereof that can indicate several different cancers. This includes leukaemia, which can present non-specific symptoms, such as unexpected weight loss and night sweats. The national evaluation showed that blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways.

The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia patients.

We are leading the international fight against organised immigration crime, and have delivered new agreements with a range of partners, including with Iraq, Germany and Italy; as well as deepening our cooperation with France

Today’s landmark Summit on Organised Immigration Crime features delegations from over 45 countries and agencies, and will strengthen our partnerships across the globe; increase intelligence-sharing, and enable targeted disruptions to the criminal networks whose operations cross over multiple borders.

The Government is delivering for defence by increasing defence spending and recognises the defence sector as a strategic resource. The Defence Industrial Strategy will provide clear signals to encourage firms to take long-term investment decisions in the UK and grow onshore production capability in priority areas that will drive growth and productivity across the UK economy, while strengthening our national security. The nearly £3 billion increase in spending next year will help us do this.