Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department’s policies on UK -India trade discussions of the continued detention of British national Jagtar Singh Johal.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

We continue to press for progress and for a swift resolution on Mr Johal's case, as discussed by the Foreign Secretary with her Indian counterpart on 4 June. These and other consular matters are raised on an ongoing basis, with no reference to discussions on trade, which are also primarily a matter for the Department for Business and Trade.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress his Department has made in considering options for redress for patients affected by valproate and pelvic mesh, and when he expects to set out next steps in response to the Hughes Report.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

The Government is carefully considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC), Professor Henrietta Hughes, including her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress on this matter during this Parliament. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on this important work.

As you may be aware, the Department has been in contact with the PSC with regard to the ongoing health initiatives regarding sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. Details of the Government’s work to date are set out in recent letters to Professor Hughes, which are published on the PSC website, at the following link:

www.patientsafetycommissioner.org.uk

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of phlebotomy workforce shortages on access to urgent Full Blood Count testing.

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

No such assessment has been made.

We expect all National Health Services, and those contracted to carry out NHS services, to ensure they have sufficient workforce, including the required skill mix, to provide those services.

The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to set out action to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan.

Yoker Athletic Football Club's 140th anniversary

Civil Service Pension Scheme

Tent of Nations Nassar family farm

Nelson Mandela Day

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

Action Mesothelioma Day 2026

Found: Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan; Lillian Jones; Douglas Lumsden; Mr Angus MacDonald; Douglas McAllister

Found: Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan; Lillian Jones; Douglas Lumsden; Mr Angus MacDonald; Douglas McAllister

Found: the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Lillian Jones; Mr Angus MacDonald; Douglas McAllister

Submit Evidence (by 18 Sep 2026)

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most globally recognised products and the UK’s largest drink export. The industry contributes substantial economic value and supports 41,000 jobs across Scotland. Whisky also carries cultural significance and plays a central role in rural economies. However, recent global volatility and a rise in protectionist measures have contributed to a slowdown in Scotch whisky exports, while market trends are also shifting. At the same time, the sector is facing a number of domestic pressures, such as rising energy costs and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. This inquiry will examine these challenges, and explore how UK Government policies on trade, duty and domestic regulation are shaping the future of this key Scottish industry.

At its meeting on 9 September, the Committee agreed to inquire into the Electoral Commission's oversight of the funding and governance of political parties in Scotland, and the policies, processes and safeguards associated with the distribution of Short Money to political parties. Further information on the scope of this inquiry will be published in due course.

The Lord Advocate and her deputy the Solicitor General for Scotland each assume a “dual role” being both senior government legal advisers, and senior public prosecutors. There is a long-standing and ongoing political and constitutional debate within Scotland about whether the dual role should be split to better mitigate actual and/or perceived conflicts of interest between the two functions. This inquiry will appraise the case for and against splitting the dual role, and exploring different options for reform.