Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with local authorities in Surrey on pavement parking powers.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Secretary of State has not had any discussions with local authorities in Surrey on this matter.

The Department has been considering all the views expressed in response to the consultation and is currently working through the policy options and the appropriate means of delivering them. As soon as the Government has decided its preferred way forward, we will announce the next steps and publish our formal response. In the meantime, local authorities can make use of existing powers to restrict and enforce pavement parking.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average delay is between patient (a) referral and (b) diagnostic testing in Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust; and what steps he is taking to reduce diagnostic waiting times.

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

There is no complete measure for the average wait time for a patient between a referral and receiving a diagnostic test for all diagnostic tests.

The Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity monthly collection, known as DM01, measures the current waiting times of patients still waiting for 15 key diagnostic tests or procedures at the end of each month. As of the end of March 2025, of those that were on the waiting list for a key diagnostic test at the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, the median average length of time patients had been waiting was 2.5 weeks, compared to 2.7 weeks nationally. Details on this collection are available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/

Cutting waiting lists, including for diagnostic tests, is a key priority for the Government. Our Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, builds on the investments already made with an ambitious vision for the future of diagnostic testing. This will include more straight-to-test pathways, increasing and expanding community diagnostic centres, and better use of technology.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of her Department's guidelines to call 101 or 999 when reporting transnational crimes as her Department does not have a working definition of transnational repression.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

As recommended by the Defending Democracy Taskforce's review of transnational repression (TNR), the UK recognises TNR as a term used to describe certain foreign state-directed crimes against individuals, ranging from threat-to-life to online harassment. The description is deliberately broad to provide maximum flexibility to address this evolving threat. The National Security Act 2023 has already given us powers to address this activity.

The Government has published new guidance on GOV.UK providing those who believe themselves to be at risk of TNR with practical advice for their safety both physically and online, including what TNR is and how to report it.

The TNR Review carefully considered – in consultation with Counter Terrorism Policing - how best to encourage reporting and ensure that reports received are treated seriously and dealt with appropriately. Existing functions have been found to be efficient, effective, and widely recognised, with trained officers and staff dealing with crime reporting on a 24/7 basis. These existing mechanisms ensure victims receive the support they need.

The College of Policing have launched training and guidance on state-directed crimes which is now available for all 45 territorial police forces in the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department (a) has consulted and (b) plans to consult with members of the Hong Kong community living in the UK on the Transnational Repression review.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The TNR Review engaged with civil society organisations on behalf of communities they consider to be at risk of TNR, as well as with victims of TNR, community leaders and academics. Further engagement, including with victims of TNR and civil society organisations is planned.

More broadly, the UK Government meets regularly with and maintains good relationships with civil society organisations including those advocating on TNR on behalf of communities they consider to be at risk.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's review on the UK's response to Transnational Repression, whether she had discussions with the 10 bountied Hong Kongers residing in the UK.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The safety and security of Hong Kongers in the UK is, and always will be, a priority. Owing to the sensitive nature of this topic and the need to protect individuals who may be at threat, it would be inappropriate to provide further detail of any specific discussions we have had.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) army service personnel, (b) navy service personnel, (c) RAF service personnel and (d) veterans have had an initial assessment at a Ministry of Defence Department of Community Mental Health centre in each month since January 2025.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

Between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 (latest data available), 757 UK Armed Forces personnel had an initial assessment at a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH).

The following table provides the number of UK Armed Forces personnel with an initial assessment at a MOD DCMH by service and month from 1 January 2025 – 31 March 2025

DCMH staff record the initial mental health assessment during a patient’s first appointment, based on presenting signs and symptoms. Patients may be assessed by the clinician as not having a mental disorder at the initial assessment; these personnel have been included in this response. Personnel have been counted once in each month that an initial assessment was recorded and only once in the total for the three-month period. Therefore, the sum of the months may be greater than the total number of personnel with an initial assessment at DCMH over the period presented.

Royal Navy includes Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel.

Following the expansion of NHS veterans’ services, DCMH no longer provide psychiatric assessment of veterans; however, personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access DCMH for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. Op COURAGE provides a complete mental healthcare pathway for service leavers in England, with similar services in other parts of the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much (a) plutonium has been exported to the United States and (b) highly enriched uranium has been imported from the United States under The Agreement between the UK and the USA for Cooperation in the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes 1958 (as amended).

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States underpins defence nuclear co-operation and has been, and continues to be, of considerable mutual benefit to both nations.

I am withholding the information requested as release of the quantities of nuclear materials transferred under the 1958 Mutual Defence agreement between the UK and USA would prejudice national security and international relations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the allocated budget was for (a) Operation Courage and (b) Operation Restore in each financial year between 2020-21 and 2024-25; and how much funding has been allocated to each programme in the 2025-26 financial year.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

On 13 March 2025, it was announced that NHS England will be brought into the Department to form a new joint centre. We are assessing the full range of current functions across both organisations and options for future allocation. At this stage, it is too early to say what precise changes in personnel and organisational design will be.

The following table shows the actual spend on Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE for 2020/21 to 2024/25 and the budget for 2025/26:

Source: NHS England

The following tables show the referral numbers for Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE since 2017/18 and 2018/19, respectively, as well as the percentage of referrals for Op COURAGE met within relevant targets since 2023/24 and for Op RESTORE since 2021/22:

Source: NHS England

Source: NHS England

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many referrals there have been to (a) Operation Courage and (b) Operation Restore in each year since 2016; and how many of those referrals were reviewed by multi-disciplinary teams within 8 weeks.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

On 13 March 2025, it was announced that NHS England will be brought into the Department to form a new joint centre. We are assessing the full range of current functions across both organisations and options for future allocation. At this stage, it is too early to say what precise changes in personnel and organisational design will be.

The following table shows the actual spend on Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE for 2020/21 to 2024/25 and the budget for 2025/26:

Source: NHS England

The following tables show the referral numbers for Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE since 2017/18 and 2018/19, respectively, as well as the percentage of referrals for Op COURAGE met within relevant targets since 2023/24 and for Op RESTORE since 2021/22:

Source: NHS England

Source: NHS England

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who Operation (a) Courage and (b) Restore will be (i) managed and (ii) funded by after the abolition of NHS England.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

On 13 March 2025, it was announced that NHS England will be brought into the Department to form a new joint centre. We are assessing the full range of current functions across both organisations and options for future allocation. At this stage, it is too early to say what precise changes in personnel and organisational design will be.

The following table shows the actual spend on Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE for 2020/21 to 2024/25 and the budget for 2025/26:

Source: NHS England

The following tables show the referral numbers for Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE since 2017/18 and 2018/19, respectively, as well as the percentage of referrals for Op COURAGE met within relevant targets since 2023/24 and for Op RESTORE since 2021/22:

Source: NHS England

Source: NHS England

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has considered the potential merits of increasing funding to local authorities to support higher hourly rates for care staff to (a) attract and (b)retain care workers from within the UK.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We have delivered a Settlement that begins to fix the foundations of local government by providing significant investment redirecting funding towards the services and places that need it most. The Settlement for 2025-26 makes available over £69 billion for local government, including making available up to £3.7 billion in additional funding for social care authorities.

The government has introduced legislation to establish the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for care professionals to ensure care workers are fairly rewarded for the work they do. The Fair Pay Agreement aims to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis in the profession, alleviating pressures on public services in the longer term.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of Ofwat’s regulatory powers to hold water companies to account for repeated pollution incidents.

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

The Government remains clear that regulators must be empowered to hold water companies to account, which is why the Water Special Measures Act delivers on our commitment to put water companies under special measures by strengthening regulation to clean up our waters. The Act will turn around the performance of water companies and ensure they are held to account where they do not deliver for customers and the environment.

As a result, companies are now not permitted to pay bonuses to water bosses that oversee poor environmental and customer outcomes. In May, we also announced a record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into water companies. This is the toughest crackdown on water companies in history.

In addition to the Water Special Measures Act, the Government established the Independent Water Commission to support a wider reset of the sector, including looking at regulators and their powers. The interim report was published on 3 June, and a final report is due this summer. The Government will then the Commission’s recommendations.

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 using private partnerships to build NHS hospitals on public finances.

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

There has been no formal assessment on the potential impact of using private partnerships to build National Health Service hospitals. Current HM Treasury policy is that private finance cannot be used. As part of the NHS capital strategy, we are considering how best to address capital funding issues in the NHS estate, and all investments will be subject to value for money and strategic assessments.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to take steps to ensure that fines levied against Thames Water are used to fund environmental restoration projects on (a) Hogsmill River, (b) River Mole and (c) other affected rivers.

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

The Water Restoration Fund, which launched in April 2024, is reinvesting funding based on water company environmental fines and penalties into projects to improve the water environment. Funding is based on water company fines and penalties from April 2022 until October 2023. Up to £11 million of funding was made available on a competitive basis to support a range of water restoration projects.

Applications were welcomed from a wide range of projects to improve the water environment and water management, such as re-meandering rivers, removing invasive non-native species, creating and restoring water-dependent habitats and managing and reducing sources of water pollution.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of Local Housing Allowance rates in meeting private rental costs in Epsom and Ewell constituency.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are reviewed annually, usually at an Autumn fiscal event. Rates are set based on the area of the country a person lives and their bedroom entitlement.

The decision to maintain LHA rates at current levels for 2025/26 was taken after a range of factors were considered, including rental data, the impacts of LHA rates, rate increases in April 2024 and the wider fiscal context. The April 2024 one-year LHA increase cost an additional £1.2bn in 2024/25, and approximately £7bn over 5 years.

Any future decisions on LHA policy will be taken in the context of the Government’s missions, goals on housing and the challenging fiscal context.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available from local authorities to those who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with social housing providers on (a) the decent homes standard and (b) the provision of furnished tenancies in social housing to reduce levels of furniture poverty.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My Department engages actively with Registered Providers of social housing on all issues facing social housing tenants and with a range of stakeholders on issues facing residents and has engaged with groups such as End Furniture Poverty to understand their research on this issue.

We will be consulting this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.

People in need may be able to get support from their local authorities via the ‘Household Support Fund’ and other services available locally.

The Deputy Prime Minister is also part of the ministerial Child Poverty Taskforce, which is considering the impacts of living in poor quality housing on children.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the statement given by the German Chancellor on the removal of range restrictions for weapons delivered to Ukraine; and what whether he has made an assessment of the merits of the use of long-range missiles.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK supports other countries providing long-range fires, but I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not be drawn on details about UK gifted long-range missiles. It risks operational security, and the only person who benefits from public debate is Putin.

The Prime Minister has been clear we must give Ukraine the support that is needed for as long as it's needed. We are doubling down on our support, but the simplest way to end this conflict is for Putin to stop his aggression.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to expedite the processing of applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme have been submitted by LGBTQ+ veterans.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme submitted by LGBT veterans have been (a) fully processed and (b) resulted in a payment.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how often the Independent Panel assessing impact payments under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme is sitting.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme have been submitted by LGBT veterans.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average wait time is for LGBT veterans requesting access to their service records for the purpose of Financial Recognition Scheme claims.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to take steps to increase the capacity of the Independent Panel to assess claims to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with the British Standards Institution on the implications of Publicly Available Specification 63100:2024 for the installation of domestic battery storage systems; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the one metre clearance requirement in section 6.5.5 of that specification on the uptake in housing stock.

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

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 63100:2024 is a standard and not part of government regulation. The content of the draft standard was publicly consulted on and considered by the PAS Steering Group, which included battery manufacturers with an interest in ensuring rules are not unduly restrictive with regards to sale and installation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to (a) extend beyond the current trial areas and (b) make permanent the pilot of Serious Violence Reduction Orders.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs) were piloted for two years throughout Merseyside, Sussex, Thames Valley and West Midlands police force areas. The pilot took place between 19 April 2023 and 18 April 2025.

The final independent evaluation of the pilot, due this Summer, will look to understand the effectiveness of SVROs in reducing reoffending and knife carrying. These insights will be critical in informing future decisions on whether the orders will be rolled out nationally.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to include specific reference to LGBT veterans in the Veterans Strategy Action Plan.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

This Government acknowledges the historic policy prohibiting homosexuality in the Armed Forces was regrettable, wrong and completely unacceptable. We are currently developing a new Veterans’ Strategy to be published later this year. It will be inclusive of the needs and experiences of all veterans, including the LGBT community.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of community care staffing levels on hospital bed occupancy levels in Surrey.

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

No specific assessment has been made. Integrated care board are responsible for commissioning services to meet the needs of their local communities, including in Surrey, as they are best placed to take those decisions.

The Government is committed to building a health service fit for the future. We will shortly publish a 10-Year Health Plan which will set out the radical reforms needed to make the National Health Service fit for the future. This will include a focus on shifting care from the hospital to the community, to bring care closer to where people live.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of sewage spills on biodiversity in rivers in Surrey.

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

For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.

The Environment Agency assesses all reported sewage spills, considering impacts on water quality and ecology. For significant incidents, it may carry out enhanced monitoring, such as fish mortality counts and invertebrate surveys. Routine ecological monitoring across Surrey catchments, supported by Citizen Science, helps track river health, with targeted investigations used where deterioration is detected.

As part of Price Review 24, Thames Water will undertake significant investment programme to improve the environment over the 2025-30 period. This includes £740.31 million to reduce storm overflow use and £1.2 billion to prevent nutrient pollution. Ofwat expects reduction of the storm overflows use by at least 29% over the next five years.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that households on heat network schemes have access to the same consumer protections as people on standard tariffs.

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

DESNZ is introducing heat network regulation which aims to provide consumers with comparable protections to existing gas and electricity consumers.

From 27 January 2026 Ofgem will formally commence their role as the market regulator, with powers to investigate high prices and enforce authorisation conditions. These conditions will include rules on treatment of vulnerable consumers, transparent billing and quality of service. The scope of Consumer protection is not limited to the item’s bellow, but includes powers to investigate unfair pricing, require suppliers to institute protections for vulnerable consumers, and establish guaranteed standards of performance to ensure that a minimum quality of service is provided at all timesIn addition, from 1 April 2025 heat networks consumers have been able to access support specific to heat networks from Citizens Advice or Consumer Scotland, and have had add access to the Energy Ombudsman’s Consumer Redress .

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Ofwat on (a) the financial viability of water companies and (b) protections for consumers in the event of insolvency.

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

Ofwat is an independent regulator that monitors the financial position of water companies, taking action when companies need to strengthen their long-term financial resilience. For example, in March 2023, Ofwat utilised powers provided by the Environment Act 2021 to modify licences to prevent water companies paying dividends where financial resilience is compromised.

In his first week in office, the Secretary of State met water companies’ chief executives, where they signed up to a tough set of initial measures for reform, including on putting customers and the environment at the heart of their businesses. The Secretary of State meets with stakeholders regularly such as Ofwat to discuss a range of issues. Records of these meetings are published on Defra: ministerial overseas travel, and meetings - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what level of financial benefit is offered as part of the re-joining Bounty for former armed forces personnel rejoining the military.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Ministry of Defence is always seeking ways to incentivise Service, not all of which are financial. In recent years a variety of financial incentives of varying degrees have been made available for the recruitment of both Regular and Reserve personnel, including re-joiner payments to encourage ex-Regulars to rejoin either Regular or Reserve Service. Recent financial incentives have included a Royal Navy Recruit Bounty Scheme worth £500 and Army Reserve enlistment schemes worth between £500 and £1,200.

Golden Hello payments of £100,000 for the recruitment of specialised doctors and £50,000 for specialised nurses are available. There are currently no live schemes for Reserve Service enlistment.

The levels of financial incentive for both Regulars and Reserves vary by Service and by trade, but all were location agnostic; numbers of payments have varied according to need and have been generally successful in filling some important roles and trades.

Information on the numbers of people who have claimed a financial incentive in each year since 2020 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what financial schemes there are to incentivise former armed forces personnel to enlist in the Reserves.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Ministry of Defence is always seeking ways to incentivise Service, not all of which are financial. In recent years a variety of financial incentives of varying degrees have been made available for the recruitment of both Regular and Reserve personnel, including re-joiner payments to encourage ex-Regulars to rejoin either Regular or Reserve Service. Recent financial incentives have included a Royal Navy Recruit Bounty Scheme worth £500 and Army Reserve enlistment schemes worth between £500 and £1,200.

Golden Hello payments of £100,000 for the recruitment of specialised doctors and £50,000 for specialised nurses are available. There are currently no live schemes for Reserve Service enlistment.

The levels of financial incentive for both Regulars and Reserves vary by Service and by trade, but all were location agnostic; numbers of payments have varied according to need and have been generally successful in filling some important roles and trades.

Information on the numbers of people who have claimed a financial incentive in each year since 2020 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have claimed the re-joining Bounty in each year since 2020.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Ministry of Defence is always seeking ways to incentivise Service, not all of which are financial. In recent years a variety of financial incentives of varying degrees have been made available for the recruitment of both Regular and Reserve personnel, including re-joiner payments to encourage ex-Regulars to rejoin either Regular or Reserve Service. Recent financial incentives have included a Royal Navy Recruit Bounty Scheme worth £500 and Army Reserve enlistment schemes worth between £500 and £1,200.

Golden Hello payments of £100,000 for the recruitment of specialised doctors and £50,000 for specialised nurses are available. There are currently no live schemes for Reserve Service enlistment.

The levels of financial incentive for both Regulars and Reserves vary by Service and by trade, but all were location agnostic; numbers of payments have varied according to need and have been generally successful in filling some important roles and trades.

Information on the numbers of people who have claimed a financial incentive in each year since 2020 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how long it takes on average to process applications for former Armed Forces personnel who apply for re-enlistment.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

It is taking time to collate and review the required information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many former Armed Forces personnel have completed the process of re-enlisting in each year since 2020.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

It is taking time to collate and review the required information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many former Armed Forces personnel have started the process of re-enlisting in each year since 2020.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

It is taking time to collate and review the required information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Malmesbury FC Girls and Women’s Teams and Rhianon Stidever

20 years of the Friends of Brooklyn Crescent Park

Methanol poisoning, UK traveller risk, awareness and education in schools

Loan Charge and settlement terms offered to large companies and individuals

Tackling food waste

Contribution of technical colleges

Burial of stillborn babies in unmarked graves

Naloxone

International Yoga Day 2025

International Women in Engineering Day

Press ownership by foreign states

Local authority funding

Gurkha pensions

Visas and access to education for Ukrainian refugee children

Shared Lives Carers

Residential estate management companies

Clean air awareness campaign

Methanol poisoning, UK traveller safety and education in schools

Harmful chemicals in period products

UK trade with illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Fracking moratorium and onshore fossil fuel exploration

Democracy in Hong Kong

Scottish Government restrictions on NHS medical aid to Ukraine

Learning Disability Week 2025

New blood cancer drug

UK-US Trade Deal and animal welfare and farming

Better Business Day campaign and the Company Directors (Duties) Bill

Support for farmers

Disconnection of stolen phones

Lionesses and Welsh women’s national team at the UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland

South Western Railway and zero waste to landfill

Men’s Health Week 2025 (No. 2)

Diabetes Week 2025

UK Government recognition of the state of Palestine

Madleen Freedom Flotilla Ship

Impact of EU 90/180 day rule on UK citizens

Unpaid Care Dashboard

Wheelchair-accessible taxis

Hong Kong nationals in the UK

Experiences of women athletes at the Leander Rowing Club

Surrey Search and Rescue

Introduction of the Hillsborough Law and the 36th anniversary

Chinese Embassy

Mandatory relationship education for 16 to 19-year-olds

Found: Williamson Cameron Thomas Sir Desmond Swayne Charlotte Cane Helen Hayes Bob Blackman Peter Prinsley Helen Maguire

Found: Jarvis Sarah Champion Caroline Voaden Clive Jones Ian Roome Cameron Thomas Helen Hayes Helen Maguire

Found: Dr Simon Opher Jodie Gosling Kim Leadbeater Anna Gelderd Kate Osamor Chris Bloore Clive Lewis Helen Maguire

Found: Euan Stainbank Neil Duncan-Jordan Connor Naismith Adrian Ramsay Jodie Gosling Kate Osamor Helen Maguire

Found: Euan Stainbank Neil Duncan-Jordan Connor Naismith Adrian Ramsay Jodie Gosling Kate Osamor Helen Maguire

Found: Euan Stainbank Neil Duncan-Jordan Connor Naismith Adrian Ramsay Jodie Gosling Kate Osamor Helen Maguire

Found: Euan Stainbank Neil Duncan-Jordan Connor Naismith Adrian Ramsay Jodie Gosling Kate Osamor Helen Maguire

Found: Euan Stainbank Neil Duncan-Jordan Connor Naismith Adrian Ramsay Jodie Gosling Kate Osamor Helen Maguire

Found: Kim Johnson Naz Shah Andrew Cooper Ruth Cadbury Adrian Ramsay Jodie Gosling Kate Osamor Helen Maguire

Found: Jones Martin Wrigley Caroline Voaden Ben Maguire Zöe Franklin Liz Jarvis Iqbal Mohamed Helen Maguire

Found: Jones Martin Wrigley Caroline Voaden Ben Maguire Zöe Franklin Liz Jarvis Iqbal Mohamed Helen Maguire

Republic of Korea APPG
Tuesday 10th June 2025

Found: VC Lib Dems Wimbledon Lord Alton of Liverpool N/A N/A Dave Doogan MP SNP Angus & Perthshire Helen Maguire

Republic of Korea APPG
Tuesday 10th June 2025

Found: Conservative Runnymede & Weybridge Lord Alton N/A N/A Dave Doogan MP SNP Angus & Perthshire Helen Maguire

Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC) and the Pacific Islands APPG
Tuesday 10th June 2025

Found: Helen Maguire B.E.M. M.P. The Rt Hon. Mark Francois M.P. Adam Jogee M.P.

Charities and Volunteering APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Portcullis House Attendees: Mary Foy MP , Ian Roome MP , Abtisam Mohamed MP , Maya Ellis MP , Helen Maguire

Future of Financial Services APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Helen Maguire MP (Lib Dem, Epsom & Ewell) 12. Sarah Gibson MP (Lib Dem, Chippenham) 13.