Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to cut waiting times for referrals to mental health support.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Too many people have waited too long for the mental health support they need. The Government is determined to transform mental health services so that people can access high-quality care when and where they need it.

We are working with NHS England to improve access to mental health services across the country, including by establishing 159 new mental health centres in local communities. Since taking office, the Government has also added thousands of staff to the mental health workforce, helping services to provide timely, high-quality care.

Later this year, we will publish a new mental health strategy for England. It will set out how we will widen access, intervene earlier, reduce waiting times, and ensure that more people receive the right support in their local communities.

We are also strengthening support in schools, primary care, and local communities so that people can get help earlier and closer to home. Alongside expanding the mental health workforce, NHS England is working with local systems to improve referral pathways, make better use of service capacity, and reduce unwarranted variation in access and waiting times.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to increase access to mental health support services.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Too many people have waited too long for the mental health support they need. The Government is determined to transform mental health services so that people can access high-quality care when and where they need it.

We are working with NHS England to improve access to mental health services across the country, including by establishing 159 new mental health centres in local communities. Since taking office, the Government has also added thousands of staff to the mental health workforce, helping services to provide timely, high-quality care.

Later this year, we will publish a new mental health strategy for England. It will set out how we will widen access, intervene earlier, reduce waiting times, and ensure that more people receive the right support in their local communities.

We are also strengthening support in schools, primary care, and local communities so that people can get help earlier and closer to home. Alongside expanding the mental health workforce, NHS England is working with local systems to improve referral pathways, make better use of service capacity, and reduce unwarranted variation in access and waiting times.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure SEND students in mainstream schools receive adequate additional support in their subjects.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department is delivering a new, world-leading school curriculum that raises standards for all children and embeds inclusion for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or need additional stretch.

To support the development of a more inclusive mainstream system, we are investing £500 million per financial year over the next three years through an Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) to support schools, colleges and early years settings with upfront funding to help them move towards becoming more inclusive by design.

We have published guidance for school leaders on how to develop an Inclusion Strategy and use their IMF allocations alongside core budgets to more effectively invest in inclusive approaches and activities that address barriers to learning and participation.

Additionally, we are giving teachers better tools to identify and support needs early, while ensuring specialist settings meet the needs of pupils with the most complex needs. To support this, on 16 January the government announced a new training package, backed by £200 million of new funding, so that all teachers, educators, teaching assistants, support staff and leaders across early years, schools and post-16 settings can be trained to support pupils with SEND.

The department is also investing around £1.8 billion over three years in a new Experts at Hand offer, providing mainstream settings with access to specialist expertise from health and education professionals to strengthen staff capability, improve support for pupils with SEND in the classroom, and enable earlier intervention where needs arise.

We will support schools to respond to pupils’ learning and development needs with evidence‑informed resources, helping make mainstream education more inclusive and improving outcomes. This aligns with our commitment to deliver a high‑quality, ambitious curriculum for every child, including those with SEND.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what criteria his Department has for deciding on locations for data centres.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Government does not determine locations for individual data centres. Decisions on where to locate data centres are made by developers, taking account of factors such as access to power, connectivity, land availability, environmental considerations, and local planning policy. The Government’s AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) programme supports projects in areas with the energy, land and infrastructure needed to support future AI and data centre investment, while ensuring impacts on local communities and the environment are appropriately considered.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her department has made of anticipated future trends in educational attainment at (a) primary and (b) secondary level in the Ashfield constituency.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Attainment data for both key stage 2 and key stage 4 is published at parliamentary constituency, local authority, regional and national level.

‘Every child achieving and thriving’ sets the department’s our plan to deliver improved outcomes for all children, regardless of their background or where they live. Our ambition is for all children to achieve higher standards, while halving the disadvantage gap.

We are delivering this though Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence teams, who are supporting all schools to navigate a pathway to improvement. We are also introducing a refreshed, high-quality curriculum and assessment system and recruiting 6,500 additional teachers. Alongside this, we are addressing barriers to learning through measures to improve attendance, roll out free breakfast clubs and tackle child poverty.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure customers are protected from (a) injury and (b) other harm as a result of attending (i) hairdressers and (ii) barbershops.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

Businesses in the hair and beauty sector including barber shops, hairdressers and beauty salons are required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations, which place duties on businesses to assess and control the risk for employees and others affected by their work, including members of the public.

While the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the policy lead for the hair and beauty sector, responsibility for enforcing health and safety legislation at individual businesses rests with the local authority in which the premises are located.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that secondary schools offer a wide range of creative subjects for pupils at GCSE.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The government has committed to revitalising arts in schools, and in particular widening access to arts subjects. This is supported by wide-ranging measures, including revising the national curriculum and qualifications, setting clearer expectations on schools with the recently published Enrichment Framework guidance, the removal of the EBacc secondary school performance measures and consultation on new Progress 8 measures and the establishment of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education.

For key stage 4, all pupils in maintained schools must be offered the opportunity to study a range of subjects and obtain an approved qualification, including GCSEs. This includes an entitlement to study a qualification in at least one arts subject, art and design, music, dance, drama, and media arts, alongside an entitlement to study a qualification in design and technology. These entitlements will extend to academy-status schools following the introduction of the revised national curriculum.

Reform of the curriculum and assessment system will also support clear pathways into further study, training and high-quality careers, while maintaining high standards and the importance of both knowledge and skills. We expect there to be a public consultation on proposals for curriculum and assessment in due course.

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 she has had with water companies about the steps they are taking to (a) fix leaks and (b) invest in improved infrastructure.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is taking action to reduce water wastage, tackle leakage and improve water infrastructure. We have set an interim target to reduce leakage by 30% by 2032 and expect Ofwat to challenge water companies to halve leakage by 2050. Through Price Review 2024, Ofwat requires companies to reduce leakage by 17% over 2025-30, supported by around £700 million for pressure management, fixing leaks and replacing mains. A further £1.7 billion has been allowed for 10.4 million smart meters, helping companies identify leaks through more timely and accurate data. Water companies must set out how they will secure future supplies in statutory Water Resources Management Plans, including through demand reduction and new water resources infrastructure such as reservoirs, transfers desalination and water recycling. The Water White Paper also commits Government to developing statutory resilience standards, so companies make forward-looking, long-term assessments of their systems.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help improve (a) ageing and (b) insufficient water infrastructure.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is taking action to reduce water wastage, tackle leakage and improve water infrastructure. We have set an interim target to reduce leakage by 30% by 2032 and expect Ofwat to challenge water companies to halve leakage by 2050. Through Price Review 2024, Ofwat requires companies to reduce leakage by 17% over 2025-30, supported by around £700 million for pressure management, fixing leaks and replacing mains. A further £1.7 billion has been allowed for 10.4 million smart meters, helping companies identify leaks through more timely and accurate data. Water companies must set out how they will secure future supplies in statutory Water Resources Management Plans, including through demand reduction and new water resources infrastructure such as reservoirs, transfers desalination and water recycling. The Water White Paper also commits Government to developing statutory resilience standards, so companies make forward-looking, long-term assessments of their systems.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle water wastage.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is taking action to reduce water wastage, tackle leakage and improve water infrastructure. We have set an interim target to reduce leakage by 30% by 2032 and expect Ofwat to challenge water companies to halve leakage by 2050. Through Price Review 2024, Ofwat requires companies to reduce leakage by 17% over 2025-30, supported by around £700 million for pressure management, fixing leaks and replacing mains. A further £1.7 billion has been allowed for 10.4 million smart meters, helping companies identify leaks through more timely and accurate data. Water companies must set out how they will secure future supplies in statutory Water Resources Management Plans, including through demand reduction and new water resources infrastructure such as reservoirs, transfers desalination and water recycling. The Water White Paper also commits Government to developing statutory resilience standards, so companies make forward-looking, long-term assessments of their systems.

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 her Department has made of the potential impact of water shortages on (a) the general population and (b) businesses.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The threat of climate change is driving more frequent hot and dry summers, increasing the UK’s risk of drought with far-reaching impacts on both water supply for our use and on the natural environment. Government recognises the challenges drought brings and understands a secure water supply is critical to our environment, economy, health, and livelihoods.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to address water shortages.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies have a statutory duty under the Water Industry Act 1991 to produce and maintain Statutory Drought Plans, which set out how companies operationally respond to droughts. They must also produce Water Resources Management Plans, which outline how they will provide secure water supplies over 25 years, which include strengthening drought resilience and managing supply and demand.

Government has committed to cutting leakage, increasing efficiency through water re-use, mandatory water efficiency labelling and accelerated rollout of smart meters, alongside delivering nine new reservoirs, delivered as part of a record £104 billion investment into the sector. In response to this year’s drought, Government and the Environment Agency increased the frequency of National Drought Group meetings, bringing together key partners to assess the situation, hold water companies to account and ensure coordinated action.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent future water shortages.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies have a statutory duty under the Water Industry Act 1991 to produce and maintain Statutory Drought Plans, which set out how companies operationally respond to droughts. They must also produce Water Resources Management Plans, which outline how they will provide secure water supplies over 25 years, which include strengthening drought resilience and managing supply and demand.

Government has committed to cutting leakage, increasing efficiency through water re-use, mandatory water efficiency labelling and accelerated rollout of smart meters, alongside delivering nine new reservoirs, delivered as part of a record £104 billion investment into the sector. In response to this year’s drought, Government and the Environment Agency increased the frequency of National Drought Group meetings, bringing together key partners to assess the situation, hold water companies to account and ensure coordinated action.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to strengthen water security.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies have a statutory duty under the Water Industry Act 1991 to produce and maintain Statutory Drought Plans, which set out how companies operationally respond to droughts. They must also produce Water Resources Management Plans, which outline how they will provide secure water supplies over 25 years, which include strengthening drought resilience and managing supply and demand.

Government has committed to cutting leakage, increasing efficiency through water re-use, mandatory water efficiency labelling and accelerated rollout of smart meters, alongside delivering nine new reservoirs, delivered as part of a record £104 billion investment into the sector. In response to this year’s drought, Government and the Environment Agency increased the frequency of National Drought Group meetings, bringing together key partners to assess the situation, hold water companies to account and ensure coordinated action.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle droughts.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies have a statutory duty under the Water Industry Act 1991 to produce and maintain Statutory Drought Plans, which set out how companies operationally respond to droughts. They must also produce Water Resources Management Plans, which outline how they will provide secure water supplies over 25 years, which include strengthening drought resilience and managing supply and demand.

Government has committed to cutting leakage, increasing efficiency through water re-use, mandatory water efficiency labelling and accelerated rollout of smart meters, alongside delivering nine new reservoirs, delivered as part of a record £104 billion investment into the sector. In response to this year’s drought, Government and the Environment Agency increased the frequency of National Drought Group meetings, bringing together key partners to assess the situation, hold water companies to account and ensure coordinated action.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing a statutory requirement for (a) hairdressers and (b) barbers to hold specified qualifications.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

We have no current plans for additional regulation for hairdressers and barbers, but we remain open to evidence. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, although registration remains voluntary. Hairdressing salons and barbers are subject to a range of existing requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation. It is important to take an evidence-based approach when making decisions, and the introduction of additional regulation would need to be carefully considered.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing mandatory (a) registration and (b) licensing for (i) hairdressers and (ii) barbershops.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

We have no current plans for additional regulation for hairdressers and barbers, but we remain open to evidence. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, although registration remains voluntary. Hairdressing salons and barbers are subject to a range of existing requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation. It is important to take an evidence-based approach when making decisions, and the introduction of additional regulation would need to be carefully considered.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made about the potential relationship between free school meals and educational attainment in Ashfield constituency.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department does not routinely assess the relationship between free school meals (FSM) and educational attainment at individual constituency level. However, pupils in Ashfield who are eligible for FSM benefit from the same national programmes and support as eligible pupils elsewhere in England.

Pupils eligible for FSM have lower attainment on average than their peers across the education system. This outcome is evident across the country regardless of region. Evidence shows that access to nutritious school meals is linked to higher attainment, improved behaviour, and better concentration.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to provide local authorities with greater powers to regulate (a) hairdressers and (b) barbers.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government has no current plans to provide local authorities with additional powers to regulate hairdressers or barbers. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, although registration is voluntary. Hairdressing salons and barbers are already subject to a range of requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation, and local authorities may place registration requirements on hairdressing establishments. It is important to take an evidence-based approach to regulation, and any further regulatory measures would need to be carefully considered.

Serious and organised crime can have a damaging impact on local communities and legitimate businesses. The Government announced a £30 million programme in May to tackle criminal activity in cash-intensive high street businesses, and support enforcement activity, including through additional funding for Trading Standards and law enforcement partners.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment she has made on the impact of rising energy costs on the number of people in energy debt.

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

Monitoring levels of debt in the domestic energy supply sector is the responsibility of Ofgem.

Ofgem regularly provides updates on this which are published on its website here: Debt and arrears indicators | Ofgem

The Government is working closely with Ofgem on a range of measures to deal with energy consumer debt and understand the impacts of different approaches on consumers.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the (a) suitability and (b) sustainability of water resources in Nottinghamshire in preventing regional water shortages.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) continually assesses water availability and manages abstraction licences to balance the needs of people, industry and the environment. Recognising the long-term impacts of climate change, it supports a national strategy to improve future water resilience, including for Nottinghamshire. The EA restricts abstraction during dry periods to protect the environment, works with abstractors to understand future demand, and supports resilience projects such as new reservoirs. It also reviews water companies’ long-term plans to ensure they can meet future needs and adapt to climate change, population growth and increasing pressure on water resources.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent conversations her department has had with charities about the impact of rising energy bills on vulnerable households.

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

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with charities on a range of subjects including the impact of high energy bills. Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

The Government recognises that any price rise is a concern for households. The latest increase in energy bills is driven by increased wholesale energy costs, particularly gas, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. This means families and businesses are still experiencing the effects of global fossil fuel markets and is why we are so focused on getting onto clean, homegrown power that we control.

The Government has already intervened to give households breathing space with the cost of living by cutting VAT on electricity bills.

In addition, this Government took an average £150 of costs off bills at the Autumn budget, which will be factored into bills for years to come.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment her department has made of the impact of rising energy costs on (a) working families, (b) single person households and (c) pensioners.

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

The Government recognises that any price rise is a concern for households. The latest increase in energy bills is driven by increased wholesale energy costs, particularly gas, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. This means families and businesses are still experiencing the effects of global fossil fuel markets and is why we are so focused on getting onto clean, homegrown power that we control.

The Government has already intervened to give households breathing space with the cost of living by cutting VAT on electricity bills.

In addition, this Government took an average £150 of costs off bills at the Autumn budget, which will be factored into bills for years to come.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment her department has made of the impact of rising wholesale costs on energy bills.

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

The Government recognises that any price rise is a concern for households. The latest increase in energy bills is driven by increased wholesale energy costs, particularly gas, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. This means families and businesses are still experiencing the effects of global fossil fuel markets and is why we are so focused on getting onto clean, homegrown power that we control.

The Government has already intervened to give households breathing space with the cost of living by cutting VAT on electricity bills.

In addition, this Government took an average £150 of costs off bills at the Autumn budget, which will be factored into bills for years to come.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent steps her department is taking to support people with rising energy costs.

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

The Government recognises that any price rise is a concern for households. The latest increase in energy bills is driven by increased wholesale energy costs, particularly gas, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. This means families and businesses are still experiencing the effects of global fossil fuel markets and is why we are so focused on getting onto clean, homegrown power that we control.

The Government has already intervened to give households breathing space with the cost of living by cutting VAT on electricity bills.

In addition, this Government took an average £150 of costs off bills at the Autumn budget, which will be factored into bills for years to come.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of a introducing a discount on business rates for pubs.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government recognises that pubs, social clubs and live music venues have faced significant pressures in recent years. Earlier this year, the Government cut every pub, social club and live music venues bill by 15 per cent and ensured bills will be frozen in real terms for a further two years.

The Government is now going further by introducing an additional 20 per cent cut for pubs, social clubs, and all but the very largest live music venues, building on the support already in place.

When taken together, these packages are worth nearly £250 million next year and will benefit around 32,000 pubs, social clubs and live music venues. The typical pub will save around £3,100 in 2027-28, with the pub sector expected to pay around 27 per cent less in business rates by 2028/29 compared with before the revaluation.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent conversations her department has had with energy suppliers on increasing energy debt.

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

The Government has regular discussions with energy suppliers on a range of important issues, including energy debt.

The Government is working closely with Ofgem on a range of measures to deal with energy consumer debt and understand the impacts of different approaches on consumers.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions her Department has had with National Energy System Operator about the risk of blackouts.

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

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy system. Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for the Government.

Government works closely with industry and regulators to improve and maintain the resilience and security of energy infrastructure and is confident the likelihood of a large-scale power outage remains low.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has tools available to manage the system under a wide range of scenarios. The Government regularly engages with NESO and industry to understand risks to the energy system and ensure robust plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of electricity disruption.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to prevent (a) power cuts and (b) blackouts.

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

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy system. Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for the Government.

Government works closely with industry and regulators to improve and maintain the resilience and security of energy infrastructure and is confident the likelihood of a large-scale power outage remains low.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has tools available to manage the system under a wide range of scenarios. The Government regularly engages with NESO and industry to understand risks to the energy system and ensure robust plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of electricity disruption.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her department is taking to prevent electricity system collapse.

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

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy system. Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for the Government.

Government works closely with industry and regulators to improve and maintain the resilience and security of energy infrastructure and is confident the likelihood of a large-scale power outage remains low.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has tools available to manage the system under a wide range of scenarios. The Government regularly engages with NESO and industry to understand risks to the energy system and ensure robust plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of electricity disruption.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) primary and (b) secondary school students do enough physical activity per week.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

In November 2025, the government responded to the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, in which we accepted the recommendations made on PE. As part of this, we will revisit the aims of compulsory PE across all key stages and make clear the purpose of PE for all pupils, to ensure that schools recognise the need to protect at least two hours of PE time for their pupils throughout their time at school.​

​The government wants all children to access the significant physical and mental health benefits being physically active provides. We are investing £1 billion to support this, including £580 million to establish a PE and School Sport Partnership Network, almost £200 million in capital funding to improve school sports facilities, and a further £150 million PE and sport premium payment to support eligible primary schools during the transition to the new approach. The Network will support access for all children in both primary and secondary schools, especially those who are currently less active, through improving PE provision and increasing enrichment opportunities related to physical activity and sport.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of data centres on the local community near to where they are situated.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

Data centres are critical national infrastructure. They underpin the digital economy, support the development and deployment of AI, and are increasingly important to Britain’s economic and national security. This Government wants more of that infrastructure built in Britain, strengthening our sovereign capability, supporting growth and creating good jobs across the country.

We also believe that communities which host major new infrastructure should see a clear benefit from it. Data centres can support construction and permanent jobs, apprenticeships, local supply chains and wider investment in the places where they are built.

In the majority of cases, data centre planning applications will be determined by the local authority, which will assess relevant local impacts including noise and visual amenity, transport, biodiversity and the local economy. These impacts are highly project-specific and will be considered through the planning process. Data centre projects may also seek consent through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, which includes consideration of Local Impact Reports from relevant local authorities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he plans to review current VAT obligations on (a) pubs and (b) other hospitality businesses.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26.

Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.  The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will reduce beer and cider duty for drinks served in pubs.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent conversation her department has had with Ofgem about the expected energy price increase in October.

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

Legislation sets out that Ofgem, as the independent regulator, are solely responsible for operating the price cap and set the cap at a level that reflects the underlying costs incurred by an efficient supplier to provide gas and electricity to their customers.

The Government recognises that any price rise is a concern for households. The latest increase in energy bills is driven by increased wholesale energy costs, particularly gas, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. This means families and businesses are still experiencing the effects of global fossil fuel markets and is why we are so focused on getting onto clean, homegrown power that we control.

The Government has already intervened to give households breathing space with the cost of living by cutting VAT on electricity bills.

In addition, this Government took an average £150 of costs off bills at the Autumn budget, which will be factored into bills for years to come.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve the number of extracurricular activities offered to pupils at state schools.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department has published a new enrichment framework with clear benchmarks against which schools and colleges can evaluate their own offer and improve provision. Ambassadors have been appointed as experts within their areas, using their expertise to help develop and expand opportunities for young people.

The £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme will work with approximately 400 schools in the most deprived areas of England to support them to meet the benchmarks set out in the enrichment framework. This is alongside a variety of governmental programmes, including upcoming PE and School Sport Partnerships and a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, as well as National Education Nature Parks, TechYouth, the Cadet Expansion Programme, Erasmus+ and Building Equal Access to Chess in Schools.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s ‘Every Child Can’ programme will deliver £132.5 million for new activities programmes structured around the framework categories, delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend activities and holiday provision.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the rate of postpartum haemorrhage in Nottinghamshire.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Both Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust continue surveillance and governance oversight of severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), with serious cases reviewed through the Perinatal Safety Incident Review Group. They are embedding the practice of measuring rather than estimating blood loss to support earlier recognition and intervention, alongside other quality improvements.

Following the Ockenden Review, timely risk assessment, escalation and management of PPH are specific learning themes, supported by multidisciplinary education, training and guideline review. The Perinatal Quality Surveillance Group and the local Perinatal Partnership Group continue to oversee progress and seek assurance from both trusts.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her department is taking to increase investment into palliative care.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 20 July to Question 18732, which sets out the Government's position on this matter.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps his Department has taken to support pubs in (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Treasury Ministers and officials regularly engage with businesses across sectors, and the Government recognises the value pubs and breweries bring and the challenges they face across the country, including in Ashfield.

The Government has announced a 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs from April 2027. This is in addition to the 15% relief off 2025/2026 bills, with bills frozen in real terms for a further two years. When taken together, these packages are worth nearly £250 million next year and will benefit around 32,000 pubs, social clubs and live music venues.

Separately, on 24 August 2026, the Government announced a review of pub and hotel business rates valuations to build a fairer system for the future. This review calls for the views of landlords, hoteliers and business owners.

We are also supporting breweries. Draught Relief enables products served on draught below 8.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to pay less duty. This relief benefits pubs and other venues, as well as the producers that supply eligible products. Small Producer Relief (SPR) was introduced to replace and extend the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR provides vital support to SMEs and market entrants by allowing brewers and smaller producers who make 4,500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year to pay reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5% ABV.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps his Department has taken to support (a) pubs and (b) breweries.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Treasury Ministers and officials regularly engage with businesses across sectors, and the Government recognises the value pubs and breweries bring and the challenges they face across the country, including in Ashfield.

The Government has announced a 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs from April 2027. This is in addition to the 15% relief off 2025/2026 bills, with bills frozen in real terms for a further two years. When taken together, these packages are worth nearly £250 million next year and will benefit around 32,000 pubs, social clubs and live music venues.

Separately, on 24 August 2026, the Government announced a review of pub and hotel business rates valuations to build a fairer system for the future. This review calls for the views of landlords, hoteliers and business owners.

We are also supporting breweries. Draught Relief enables products served on draught below 8.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to pay less duty. This relief benefits pubs and other venues, as well as the producers that supply eligible products. Small Producer Relief (SPR) was introduced to replace and extend the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR provides vital support to SMEs and market entrants by allowing brewers and smaller producers who make 4,500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year to pay reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5% ABV.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of business costs on (a) pubs and (b) breweries.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Treasury Ministers and officials regularly engage with businesses across sectors, and the Government recognises the value pubs and breweries bring and the challenges they face across the country, including in Ashfield.

The Government has announced a 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs from April 2027. This is in addition to the 15% relief off 2025/2026 bills, with bills frozen in real terms for a further two years. When taken together, these packages are worth nearly £250 million next year and will benefit around 32,000 pubs, social clubs and live music venues.

Separately, on 24 August 2026, the Government announced a review of pub and hotel business rates valuations to build a fairer system for the future. This review calls for the views of landlords, hoteliers and business owners.

We are also supporting breweries. Draught Relief enables products served on draught below 8.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to pay less duty. This relief benefits pubs and other venues, as well as the producers that supply eligible products. Small Producer Relief (SPR) was introduced to replace and extend the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR provides vital support to SMEs and market entrants by allowing brewers and smaller producers who make 4,500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year to pay reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5% ABV.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with (a) pub landlords and (b) brewers.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Treasury Ministers and officials regularly engage with businesses across sectors, and the Government recognises the value pubs and breweries bring and the challenges they face across the country, including in Ashfield.

The Government has announced a 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs from April 2027. This is in addition to the 15% relief off 2025/2026 bills, with bills frozen in real terms for a further two years. When taken together, these packages are worth nearly £250 million next year and will benefit around 32,000 pubs, social clubs and live music venues.

Separately, on 24 August 2026, the Government announced a review of pub and hotel business rates valuations to build a fairer system for the future. This review calls for the views of landlords, hoteliers and business owners.

We are also supporting breweries. Draught Relief enables products served on draught below 8.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to pay less duty. This relief benefits pubs and other venues, as well as the producers that supply eligible products. Small Producer Relief (SPR) was introduced to replace and extend the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR provides vital support to SMEs and market entrants by allowing brewers and smaller producers who make 4,500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year to pay reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5% ABV.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment her department has made of the impact of health inequalities on patient outcomes across England.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we are committed to tackling the social determinants of health, improving healthy life expectancy for everyone, and halving the gap between the richest and poorest regions. By bringing together departments across the Government, we are ensuring that action on health is embedded in policies that shape people’s daily lives. Recent cross-Government action includes the Warm Homes Plan, the Keep Britain Working Review, and the Homelessness Strategy.

The NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for commissioning National Health Services to meet the needs of people in Ashfield. The Nottinghamshire ICB works with local NHS trusts and providers to strengthen prevention, improve population health, and reduce health inequalities, particularly in communities experiencing the poorest outcomes. ICBs have a duty to reduce inequalities between persons both in terms of their ability to access health services and with respect to the outcomes achieved for them.

The NHS’s CORE20PLUS5 approach targets action to reduce health inequalities in the most deprived 20% of the population and improve outcomes for groups that experience the worst access, experience, and outcomes within the NHS. The approach focuses on improving the five clinical areas at most need of accelerated improvement, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory, maternity and mental health outcomes, in the poorest 20 percent of the population, along with other disadvantaged population groups identified at a local level.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her department is taking to address healthcare inequalities in the constituency of Ashfield.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we are committed to tackling the social determinants of health, improving healthy life expectancy for everyone, and halving the gap between the richest and poorest regions. By bringing together departments across the Government, we are ensuring that action on health is embedded in policies that shape people’s daily lives. Recent cross-Government action includes the Warm Homes Plan, the Keep Britain Working Review, and the Homelessness Strategy.

The NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for commissioning National Health Services to meet the needs of people in Ashfield. The Nottinghamshire ICB works with local NHS trusts and providers to strengthen prevention, improve population health, and reduce health inequalities, particularly in communities experiencing the poorest outcomes. ICBs have a duty to reduce inequalities between persons both in terms of their ability to access health services and with respect to the outcomes achieved for them.

The NHS’s CORE20PLUS5 approach targets action to reduce health inequalities in the most deprived 20% of the population and improve outcomes for groups that experience the worst access, experience, and outcomes within the NHS. The approach focuses on improving the five clinical areas at most need of accelerated improvement, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory, maternity and mental health outcomes, in the poorest 20 percent of the population, along with other disadvantaged population groups identified at a local level.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to tackle health inequalities across England.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we are committed to tackling the social determinants of health, improving healthy life expectancy for everyone, and halving the gap between the richest and poorest regions. By bringing together departments across the Government, we are ensuring that action on health is embedded in policies that shape people’s daily lives. Recent cross-Government action includes the Warm Homes Plan, the Keep Britain Working Review, and the Homelessness Strategy.

The NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for commissioning National Health Services to meet the needs of people in Ashfield. The Nottinghamshire ICB works with local NHS trusts and providers to strengthen prevention, improve population health, and reduce health inequalities, particularly in communities experiencing the poorest outcomes. ICBs have a duty to reduce inequalities between persons both in terms of their ability to access health services and with respect to the outcomes achieved for them.

The NHS’s CORE20PLUS5 approach targets action to reduce health inequalities in the most deprived 20% of the population and improve outcomes for groups that experience the worst access, experience, and outcomes within the NHS. The approach focuses on improving the five clinical areas at most need of accelerated improvement, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory, maternity and mental health outcomes, in the poorest 20 percent of the population, along with other disadvantaged population groups identified at a local level.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve educational outcomes for children in deindustrialised areas.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

‘Every child achieving and thriving’ establishes the department’s plan to deliver improved outcomes for all children, regardless of their background or where they live. Our ambition is for all children to achieve higher standards and for the disadvantage gap to be halved.

We will recruit 6,500 additional expert teachers, expand access to high-quality enrichment opportunities, and Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence teams are helping all schools navigate a pathway to improvement. We are also launching two place-focused missions to drive improvement in areas where outcomes remain stubbornly low.

The department is transforming technical education from age 14, placing technical and academic pathways on an equal footing and ensuring every young person has access to high-quality routes into skilled employment and further study. We will work with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to design locally tailored vocational pathways for students from age 14 in every region.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps her Department has taken to support police officers in tackling knife crime amongst young adults.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Preventing children and young people from becoming involved in knife crime while supporting the police to tackle offending where it occurs, is central to our mission to halve knife crime in a decade and to make our streets safer. Protecting Lives, Building Hope: A Plan to Halve Knife Crime details the full range of measures that Government is taking to tackle the root causes of knife crime among young people and to strengthen enforcement.

In February 2026, the Home Office and Ministry of Justice announced new action to tackle child knife possession. The new guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2026, ensures that Police and Youth Justice Services work together so that every child caught carrying a knife is given a mandatory targeted plan to address the root causes of their offending and help prevent further offending.

We are also supporting early intervention and prevention by investing over £66 million in the Serious Violence Reduction Programme and the Serious Violence Duty this financial year. This funding will help continue the work of Violence Reduction Units, which bring together local partners to understand and tackle the drivers of serious violence in their areas, and will support the Young Futures Panel pilots, which identify young people at risk of being drawn into crime and provide early, targeted and diversionary support.

Our new Knife Crime Concentrations Fund will also invest £26.25 million this year to strengthen enforcement and prevention in the areas most affected by knife crime. Building on last year's hyperlocal knife crime pilots, we are expanding this approach across 27 police force areas, which together account for around 90% of knife crime in England and Wales. This funding will support police forces and local partners to work together to identify and tackle the specific factors driving knife crime in the locations most affected, enabling targeted and evidence-led interventions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps she is taking to prevent knife crime amongst young people.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Preventing children and young people from becoming involved in knife crime while supporting the police to tackle offending where it occurs, is central to our mission to halve knife crime in a decade and to make our streets safer. Protecting Lives, Building Hope: A Plan to Halve Knife Crime details the full range of measures that Government is taking to tackle the root causes of knife crime among young people and to strengthen enforcement.

In February 2026, the Home Office and Ministry of Justice announced new action to tackle child knife possession. The new guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2026, ensures that Police and Youth Justice Services work together so that every child caught carrying a knife is given a mandatory targeted plan to address the root causes of their offending and help prevent further offending.

We are also supporting early intervention and prevention by investing over £66 million in the Serious Violence Reduction Programme and the Serious Violence Duty this financial year. This funding will help continue the work of Violence Reduction Units, which bring together local partners to understand and tackle the drivers of serious violence in their areas, and will support the Young Futures Panel pilots, which identify young people at risk of being drawn into crime and provide early, targeted and diversionary support.

Our new Knife Crime Concentrations Fund will also invest £26.25 million this year to strengthen enforcement and prevention in the areas most affected by knife crime. Building on last year's hyperlocal knife crime pilots, we are expanding this approach across 27 police force areas, which together account for around 90% of knife crime in England and Wales. This funding will support police forces and local partners to work together to identify and tackle the specific factors driving knife crime in the locations most affected, enabling targeted and evidence-led interventions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of new regulatory costs, including new packaging costs, on pubs.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The potential impact of regulatory changes on pubs is carefully considered as part of policy development, and the Government regularly engages with the pub industry to understand the pressures businesses face. With regard to Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, we are aware of concerns about the classification of packaging that is disposed of through commercial waste streams, including through pubs. We are working closely with stakeholders on this issue.

We are reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and supporting pubs to grow. The National Licensing Policy Framework for England and Wales has set a new strategic direction for licensing authorities to have greater regard for growth when considering licensing applications and decisions. We also extended opening hours during the Men’s Football World Cup and are backing “pavement pints” by making it easier for hospitality businesses to serve food and drink outside.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment her department has made of the effectiveness of treatment offered in the UK for gliomas.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to increase awareness of the symptoms of gliomas.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve diagnosis (a) accuracy and (b) times for brain tumours.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to improve treatment for glioblastomas.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to support research into glioblastomas.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her department is taking to ensure people can access effective treatment for brain tumours in NHS hospitals.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve (a) mental and (b) emotional support for people with brain tumours.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s specific questions on gliomas and glioblastomas have been extensively dealt with in previous written answers, and I would refer him most recently to the answers of 3 March, 23 June, 29 June, 1 July, 15 July, 16 July and 20 July, in response to the respective Questions 115098, 9896, 10911, 11208, HL1675, HL1674, and HL1673.

More generally, through the National Cancer Plan, the Government is making rare cancers a priority. We have committed to being in the top quartile across 28 countries for survival of 14 less common cancers by 2035, including brain tumours, where survival rates currently rank 22nd out of 24 countries measured.

The Department recognises that general practitioners may rarely encounter specific rare cancers, which can make diagnosis more challenging. The plan includes measures to improve recognition and prevent missed diagnoses in primary care, including Jess's Rule, which supports clinicians to review and reconsider cases where symptoms remain unexplained or worsen over time.

Patients with rare cancers will also benefit from NHS England’s move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams that cover multiple providers. This will enable patients to benefit from the expertise of specialist centres and access the best evidence-based care. The Department and NHS England are working with rare cancer charities to strengthen support for patients, including providing guidance to clinical staff and connecting patients with specialist charities, peer communities, and expert sources of advice through the Diagnosis Connect Programme.