Kate Osborne

The UK is a proud champion of LGBT+ rights, both at home and globally, underpinned by our strong legislative framework. We are actively working to advance these rights, which include strengthening protections against anti-LGBT+ hate crimes and progressing a full trans inclusive ban on conversion practices.

Internationally, the UK has recently committed £21 million in global LGBT+ Rights funding. This significant investment is specifically targeted at the most urgent global environments where LGBT+ individuals face the greatest risks of violence, exclusion, and inadequate legal protection.

Looking ahead, the UK will host the 14th European IDAHOT+ in 2027. This event will provide an opportunity for the UK Government to collaborate with governments from across Europe, academics and experts on LGBT+ Rights, clearly demonstrating our steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of all.

The UK is a proud champion of LGBT+ rights, both at home and globally, underpinned by our strong legislative framework. We are actively working to advance these rights, which include strengthening protections against anti-LGBT+ hate crimes and progressing a full trans inclusive ban on conversion practices.

Internationally, the UK has recently committed £21 million in global LGBT+ Rights funding. This significant investment is specifically targeted at the most urgent global environments where LGBT+ individuals face the greatest risks of violence, exclusion, and inadequate legal protection.

Looking ahead, the UK will host the 14th European IDAHOT+ in 2027. This event will provide an opportunity for the UK Government to collaborate with governments from across Europe, academics and experts on LGBT+ Rights, clearly demonstrating our steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of all.

The UK is a proud champion of LGBT+ rights, both at home and globally, underpinned by our strong legislative framework. We are actively working to advance these rights, which include strengthening protections against anti-LGBT+ hate crimes and progressing a full trans inclusive ban on conversion practices.

Internationally, the UK has recently committed £21 million in global LGBT+ Rights funding. This significant investment is specifically targeted at the most urgent global environments where LGBT+ individuals face the greatest risks of violence, exclusion, and inadequate legal protection.

Looking ahead, the UK will host the 14th European IDAHOT+ in 2027. This event will provide an opportunity for the UK Government to collaborate with governments from across Europe, academics and experts on LGBT+ Rights, clearly demonstrating our steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of all.

The UK is a proud champion of LGBT+ rights, both at home and globally, underpinned by our strong legislative framework. We are actively working to advance these rights, which include strengthening protections against anti-LGBT+ hate crimes and progressing a full trans inclusive ban on conversion practices.

Internationally, the UK has recently committed £21 million in global LGBT+ Rights funding. This significant investment is specifically targeted at the most urgent global environments where LGBT+ individuals face the greatest risks of violence, exclusion, and inadequate legal protection.

Looking ahead, the UK will host the 14th European IDAHOT+ in 2027. This event will provide an opportunity for the UK Government to collaborate with governments from across Europe, academics and experts on LGBT+ Rights, clearly demonstrating our steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of all.

The UK is a proud champion of LGBT+ rights, both at home and globally, underpinned by our strong legislative framework. We are actively working to advance these rights, which include strengthening protections against anti-LGBT+ hate crimes and progressing a full trans inclusive ban on conversion practices.

Internationally, the UK has recently committed £21 million in global LGBT+ Rights funding. This significant investment is specifically targeted at the most urgent global environments where LGBT+ individuals face the greatest risks of violence, exclusion, and inadequate legal protection.

Looking ahead, the UK will host the 14th European IDAHOT+ in 2027. This event will provide an opportunity for the UK Government to collaborate with governments from across Europe, academics and experts on LGBT+ Rights, clearly demonstrating our steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of all.

The Government recognises the impact that post office and retail closures can have on employees, communities and access to essential services. The proposed closure of certain Morrisons stores is a commercial decision by the retailer rather than Post Office Limited.

My officials are in close contact with Post Office Limited to ensure it continues to meet the Government’s network requirements. Post Office Limited has indicated it will locally advertise the opportunity for a replacement branch for all affected branches, including in Jarrow.

While this is a commercial decision for Morrisons, we understand that this will be a concerning time for workers and their families. A broad range of support is available for those affected, including through Jobcentre Plus and the Rapid Response Service. Acas can also provide employees and employers with free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.

We remain committed to supporting thriving high streets and have introduced permanently lower business‑rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, introduced a £4.3 billion transitional support package protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation, and are bringing forward a new High Streets Strategy, to help reinvigorate our communities.

Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, is responsible for ensuring the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service that meets users’ needs.

Ofcom’s statement of 5 September set out potential reforms to the universal service obligation and its plans to carry out further in-depth research among postal users. Ofcom expects to publish any proposals for public consultation in early 2025, which will provide an opportunity for interested parties (including magazine publishers) to contribute their views. More information is available on Ofcom’s website: www.ofcom.org.uk/post/royal-mail/securing-the-future-of-the-universal-postal-service.

Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, is responsible for ensuring the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service that meets users’ needs.

Ofcom’s statement of 5 September set out potential reforms to the universal service obligation and its plans to carry out further in-depth research among postal users. Ofcom expects to publish any proposals for public consultation in early 2025, which will provide an opportunity for interested parties (including magazine publishers) to contribute their views. More information is available on Ofcom’s website: www.ofcom.org.uk/post/royal-mail/securing-the-future-of-the-universal-postal-service.

The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s commercial decisions, including the prices of stamps and other services.

In setting its prices, Royal Mail must observe the regulatory framework set by Ofcom which imposes price controls, ‘safeguard caps’, on certain second-class products to ensure a basic universal service is available to all at affordable prices.

Information on Ofcom’s decisions regarding retail price caps on Royal Mail’s universal postal services to apply from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 is available on its website: www.ofcom.org.uk/post/deliveries-and-charges/consultation-review-of-second-class-safeguard-caps-2024.

Sport must be open to everyone. There is absolutely no place for homophobia, or discrimination of any kind, in sport or society.

The Government expects sports bodies, including rugby governing bodies, to take robust action to tackle discrimination whenever and wherever it occurs. The Government will continue to work with National Governing Bodies and sector organisations to fight all forms of discrimination at all levels of sport.

Through the Sports Council’s Equality Group, UK Sport and Sport England provide guidance on transgender inclusion in domestic sport to our National Governing Bodies. It makes clear that inclusion, fairness, and safety cannot always be balanced in gender-affected sport.

Under the UK Sport and Sport England Code for Sports Governance, National Governing Bodies at Tier 3 are required to publish and maintain a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to receive public funding. This framework serves as the accountability mechanism to demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Sport must be open to everyone. There is absolutely no place for homophobia, or discrimination of any kind, in sport or society.

The Government expects sports bodies, including rugby governing bodies, to take robust action to tackle discrimination whenever and wherever it occurs. The Government will continue to work with National Governing Bodies and sector organisations to fight all forms of discrimination at all levels of sport.

Through the Sports Council’s Equality Group, UK Sport and Sport England provide guidance on transgender inclusion in domestic sport to our National Governing Bodies. It makes clear that inclusion, fairness, and safety cannot always be balanced in gender-affected sport.

Under the UK Sport and Sport England Code for Sports Governance, National Governing Bodies at Tier 3 are required to publish and maintain a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to receive public funding. This framework serves as the accountability mechanism to demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Sport must be open to everyone. There is absolutely no place for homophobia, or discrimination of any kind, in sport or society.

The Government expects sports bodies, including rugby governing bodies, to take robust action to tackle discrimination whenever and wherever it occurs. The Government will continue to work with National Governing Bodies and sector organisations to fight all forms of discrimination at all levels of sport.

Through the Sports Council’s Equality Group, UK Sport and Sport England provide guidance on transgender inclusion in domestic sport to our National Governing Bodies. It makes clear that inclusion, fairness, and safety cannot always be balanced in gender-affected sport.

Under the UK Sport and Sport England Code for Sports Governance, National Governing Bodies at Tier 3 are required to publish and maintain a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to receive public funding. This framework serves as the accountability mechanism to demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Football Association (the national governing body for football) is independent of the Government and independently determines how they organise their competitions.

Karen Carney’s 2023 Independent Review of Women’s Football made a series of recommendations for key stakeholders in the game to take forward which included a recommendation that the FA make a clear commitment to equalising FA Cup prize money as soon as is feasible. Following the review, the Minister for Sport has convened the Women’s Football Taskforce with industry stakeholders including the FA and Football Supporters’ Association, to drive forward the recommendations of Karen Carney’s review.

The Football Association (the national governing body for football) is independent of the Government and independently determines how they organise their competitions.

Karen Carney’s 2023 Independent Review of Women’s Football made a series of recommendations for key stakeholders in the game to take forward which included a recommendation that the FA make a clear commitment to equalising FA Cup prize money as soon as is feasible. Following the review, the Minister for Sport has convened the Women’s Football Taskforce with industry stakeholders including the FA and Football Supporters’ Association, to drive forward the recommendations of Karen Carney’s review.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

There are currently around 2.1 million pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals (FSM). The department recognises the vital role played by FSM in supporting disadvantaged children and families and encourages all those who are eligible to take up their entitlement. To make this process as easy as possible, the department provides the Eligibility Checking System, which allows local authorities to quickly verify eligibility for FSM. Further to this, our published guidance on FSM provides clarity to families about whether they may qualify for, and how they may claim their FSM entitlement.

The department is aware of a range of measures aimed at maximising take-up of FSM, including through approaches being trialled by local authorities. We welcome local authorities taking action to ensure government support reaches families, subject to them meeting legal and data-protection requirements.

In addition to this, we are also rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school, so children start the day ready to learn. This is part of the department‘s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity so that all children have the freedom to achieve and thrive in education.

The department is also working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to develop a child poverty strategy to reduce child poverty by tackling its root causes and giving every child the best start in life. The strategy will be published in the spring.

The sinking of merchant vessels during the world wars, represents a tragic loss of life that we must all strive to remember and reflect upon. It is right that we honour and recognise this sacrifice and strive to ensure the grave sites of those who have been lost receive appropriate protection. While the specific scope and purpose of the Armed Forces Bill preclude such an extension to merchant wrecks, we will continue to ensure underwater cultural heritage receives the highest levels of protection available in accordance with international law and best practice.

The sinking of the SS Tilawa, and many other merchant vessels during the world wars, represents a tragic loss of life that we must all strive to remember and reflect upon. It is right that we honour and recognise this sacrifice and strive to ensure the grave sites of those who have been lost receive the highest levels of protection in accordance with international law and best practice.

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment considers the needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability, not the health condition or disability itself. The impact in each case will depend on an individual’s circumstances. For those already claiming PIP, the changes will only apply from November 2026 at their next award review, subject to parliamentary approval. People will be reviewed by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstance.

Veterans are able to access the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which provides compensation for injury or illness caused or made worse by Service on or after 6 April 2005. For serious injuries and illness, the AFCS provides a tax-free index-linked income stream known as the Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP). The Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) is an additional allowance which provides financial support for eligible service personnel and veterans who have an AFCS GIP. It is an alternative to PIP (and other disability benefits), based on separate eligibility criteria, but paid at the same rate as the combined enhanced daily living and mobility components. The eligibility criteria for AFIP is not due to change.

I have also asked my officials to work with their counterparts in the OVA to set up a dedicated Green Paper consultation event for armed forces stakeholders (likely to be held in May) and to give a detailed briefing on the proposals to MoD and OVA officials. And once we have completed the consultation we will be building up to a White Paper, where we will once again engage with the OVA and MoD in advance of collective agreement.

We are also mindful of the impact the change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why, in the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working (published on 18 March), we are consulting on how best to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met.

Housing Benefit regulations permit local authorities to disregard beyond the standard disregard of £10 a week the whole or part of any war disablement pensions, war widow’s pensions, war widower’s pensions and guaranteed income payments under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme.

(a) Armed Forces Compensation Scheme £10 disregard with local discretion

(b) Service Invalidity Pension no disregard is applied and it is treated as income

(c) Service Attributable Pension is treated the same as a War Pension so subject to the £10 disregard and local discretion.

(d) War Pension - £10 disregard with local discretion

There are no plans to make changes to the discretionary scheme.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the devolved administrations are responsible for Council Tax Support and Disabled Facilities Grants policy.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) can be paid to veterans entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Local authorities administer the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme as they are best placed to make informed judgements about relative priorities and needs in their area to ensure that the most vulnerable are supported and the funds are targeted effectively. There are no prescribed resources tests; local authorities simply have to be satisfied that the person concerned needs further financial assistance towards housing costs. The payments are entirely at local authority discretion, including the amount and duration of any award.

The Department does not centrally record the veteran status of PIP claimants.

In our recent Pathways to Work Green Paper, published on the 18 March 2025, we announced a broad package of reforms to the health and disability benefit and support system. No changes are proposed to Armed Forces Independence Payments which provide support to some of the most severely disabled veterans.

For those who receive PIP and are affected by the eligibility changes, we are consulting on how best to support this group, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. We also intend to launch a wider review of the PIP assessment, and we will bring together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress.

As we develop proposals further, we will consider the impacts of changes as part of our wider consideration of responses to the Green Paper consultation. We would encourage organisations supporting and representing veterans, such as the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, and many others, to respond to the consultation setting out their thoughts and views on how wounded, injured and sick veterans can best be supported.

No estimate has yet been made.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course, with some information published alongside the Spring Statement. These publications can be found in ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’.

A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.

The are no regional disparities in access to disability benefits.