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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to ensure Teignbridge District Council receives additional funding for the building of social homes.

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

My Department published an update on targets in the 2021-26 Programme on 30 July 2024 which can be found on gov.uk here.

At Spring statement, the government announced an immediate injection of £2 billion to support delivery of the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and contribute to our ambitious Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament. Further detail can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement made on 25 March 2025 (HCWS549).

The investment made at Spring statement follows the £800 million in new in-year funding which has been made available for the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme and that will support the delivery of up to 7,800 new homes, with more than half of them being Social Rent homes.

Exact funding to different places and the locations of homes that will be built will depend on the bids received from local authorities and housing associations. The government encourages social housing providers in all areas to come forward with bids for new ambitious projects, including those ready to commence quickly.

We will set out set details of new investment to succeed the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review. This new investment will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and homeownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for social rent.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) civil society and (b) community organisations delivering lifelong media literacy programmes for adults.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Civil society and community organisations are instrumental in delivering media literacy programmes to adults, leveraging their expertise to support diverse and vulnerable groups. Libraries and community centres provide accessible locations where adults of all ages can get guidance and advice.

The Digital Inclusion Action Plan outlines steps toward delivering digital inclusion and media literacy for everyone in the UK, including supporting local and community initiatives to increase digital participation.

Under updated media literacy duties, Ofcom is developing a ‘place-based’ model to embed media literacy into community digital strategies, working with the Good Things Foundation to support Digital Inclusion Hubs.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure media literacy programmes are part of local and regional strategies.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Government is adopting a holistic approach to digital inclusion integrating related policy on digital skills and media literacy. The Digital Inclusion Action Plan outlines steps towards delivering digital inclusion for everyone in the UK, including supporting community initiatives for boosting digital skills and media literacy. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology coordinates activity across policy areas, aiming to embed media literacy across cross-cutting government strategies.

Under updated media literacy duties, Ofcom is developing a ‘place-based’ model to embed media literacy into community digital strategies, working with the Good Things Foundation to support Digital Inclusion Hubs to offer media literacy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to include decapod crustaceans in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

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

The Home Office will be guided by decisions made under the Animal Welfare Act regarding any consideration as to whether decapod crustaceans are regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procures) Act 1986.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that media literacy is included in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

I refer the hon. Member for Newton Abbot to the answer of 1 May 2025 to Question 47184.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of poor media literacy skills on young people's (a) employability and (b) workplace readiness.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the Essential Digital Skills Framework, media literacy-related skills, including understanding online risks, are essential for work. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has worked with FutureDotNow to analyse the benefits of essential digital skills for earnings and employability, with findings being published shortly.

The Digital Inclusion Action Plan outlines steps towards delivering digital inclusion and media literacy for everyone in the UK. The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review is also considering how young people will acquire the digital skills needed for future life, with the interim report highlighting the need for a renewed focus on media literacy.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of poor media skills on young people's (a) employability and (b) workplace readiness.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the Essential Digital Skills Framework, media literacy-related skills, including understanding online risks, are essential for work. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has worked with FutureDotNow to analyse the benefits of essential digital skills for earnings and employability, with findings being published shortly.

The Digital Inclusion Action Plan outlines steps towards delivering digital inclusion and media literacy for everyone in the UK. The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review is also considering how young people will acquire the digital skills needed for future life, with the interim report highlighting the need for a renewed focus on media literacy.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish a national cardiovascular disease plan.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to ensuring that fewer lives are lost to the biggest killers, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). That is why, building on the 2019 NHS Long-Term Plan’s commitment to prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes, and dementia cases by 2029, the Government has set a CVD-specific mission to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and strokes by 25% within a decade.

To deliver on the Government’s ambition, the Department and NHS England are working together to understand both the scale of the challenge and the opportunities for progress across the prevention, treatment, and management of CVD, as part of our 10-year plan.

The 10-Year Health Plan will describe a shared vision for the health and care system in 2035, drawing directly from the extensive engagement underway with the public, patients, and staff. The plan will include how care models and pathways will need to change or evolve to better meet their needs, and the cultural and behavioural changes we want to see.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce sewage discharges at Dawlish Coryton Cove.

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

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

That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. A public Call for Evidence closed on 23 April, with all interested parties invited to share their views. The review's final recommendations will be published and shared with the UK and Welsh Governments this summer.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment. This includes South West Water delivering £764 million of investment to reduce storm overflow spills, including improvements at 10 storm overflows in Dawlish Town and Dawlish Coryton Cove and 5 storm overflows in Shaldon which are being improved to the maximum 2 spills per season standard.

We encourage the public to report pollution via our incident hotline, by calling 0800 80 70 60 at any time.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with Great Western Railway on the potential closure of ticket offices in Devon.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I am not aware of any plans to close ticket offices in Devon. Closing a ticket office would be a major change under the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement and any proposal to close a ticket office would require a period of consultation before any decision was made.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS staff have left the NHS in (a) Devon & Cornwall and (b) the UK under non-disclosure agreements.

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

The Department does not hold information on the number of National Health Service staff who have left the NHS in Devon and Cornwall or across England under non-disclosure agreements.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce sewage discharges at Teignmouth Holcombe.

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

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

That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. A public Call for Evidence closed on 23 April, with all interested parties invited to share their views. The review's final recommendations will be published and shared with the UK and Welsh Governments this summer.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment. This includes South West Water delivering £764 million of investment to reduce storm overflow spills, including improvements at 10 storm overflows in Dawlish Town and Dawlish Coryton Cove and 5 storm overflows in Shaldon which are being improved to the maximum 2 spills per season standard.

We encourage the public to report pollution via our incident hotline, by calling 0800 80 70 60 at any time.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce sewage discharges at Dawlish Town.

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

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

That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. A public Call for Evidence closed on 23 April, with all interested parties invited to share their views. The review's final recommendations will be published and shared with the UK and Welsh Governments this summer.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment. This includes South West Water delivering £764 million of investment to reduce storm overflow spills, including improvements at 10 storm overflows in Dawlish Town and Dawlish Coryton Cove and 5 storm overflows in Shaldon which are being improved to the maximum 2 spills per season standard.

We encourage the public to report pollution via our incident hotline, by calling 0800 80 70 60 at any time.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce sewage discharges at Shaldon.

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

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

That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. A public Call for Evidence closed on 23 April, with all interested parties invited to share their views. The review's final recommendations will be published and shared with the UK and Welsh Governments this summer.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment. This includes South West Water delivering £764 million of investment to reduce storm overflow spills, including improvements at 10 storm overflows in Dawlish Town and Dawlish Coryton Cove and 5 storm overflows in Shaldon which are being improved to the maximum 2 spills per season standard.

We encourage the public to report pollution via our incident hotline, by calling 0800 80 70 60 at any time.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will provide additional funding for pothole repair in Newton Abbot constituency.

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

This Government takes the condition of our country’s roads very seriously and is committed to supporting local highway authorities in maintaining and renewing the local highway network and tackling the maintenance backlog.

Devon County Council is the highway authority for Devon including the Newton Abbot constituency. The Government is providing Devon County Council with over £83 million for highway maintenance for the 2025/26 financial year, an increase of £22.5 million compared to 2024/25.

25% of the additional £22.5 million funding is contingent on Devon County Council demonstrating to HM Government that they are complying with certain criteria, aimed at driving best practice and continual improvement in highway maintenance best practice.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Circular Economy Taskforce on reducing waste in his Department.

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

On 27 March, the Secretary of State gave a speech on circular economy to leading industry practitioners, in which he announced that the Government’s upcoming Circular Economy Strategy for England will focus first on five priority sectors: agrifood; built environment; chemicals and plastics; textiles; and transport. The Taskforce has already begun extensive engagement with industry leaders, trade associations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Strategy reflects the needs and insights of all involved.

The Taskforce works closely with officials across its areas of interest, including waste reduction, who provide regular advice to Ministers on the Taskforce’s work and progress.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the repair and re-use economy.

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

This Government committed in its manifesto to reducing waste by moving to a Circular Economy. Defra recognises that repair and re-use are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and a successful circular transition will deliver increased supply chain resilience, economic productivity, and economic growth.

As we develop our Circular Economy Strategy for England, we will consider the evidence for action from right across the economy and evaluate what interventions may be needed.

Defra has published guidance on how businesses can use the waste hierarchy, which is a framework for dealing with waste, which promotes re-use. The guidance shows how it works for a range of common materials and products and what businesses and public bodies need to do. It gives top priority to preventing waste in the first place. When waste is created, it gives priority to preparing it for re-use, then recycling, then recovery, and last of all disposal (e.g. landfill).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on the number and proportion of local authorities that have transitioned to using private parking companies for local parking enforcement.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises that the matter of private parking enforcement of local authority land is a complex issue that affects local authorities, private operators and motorists. I can confirm that the Government is looking into this matter, and will be able to provide a definitive response in due course.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are progressing with plans to protect and support all motorists and to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code, we will be launching a consultation in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of private parking companies on motorists in Devon.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises that the matter of private parking enforcement of local authority land is a complex issue that affects local authorities, private operators and motorists. I can confirm that the Government is looking into this matter, and will be able to provide a definitive response in due course.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are progressing with plans to protect and support all motorists and to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code, we will be launching a consultation in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 23/04/20225 to Question 45236 on private parking sector, if she will publish the minutes of her upcoming meetings with both private parking trade associations.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department does not usually publish minutes between Ministers and stakeholders. However, my officials would be happy to share a note of the meeting with your office after it takes place.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 46252 on Cars: Lighting, if she will send a copy of the report to the hon. Member for Newton Abbot when it is complete.

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

Once the independent research on headlamp glare completes, the research organisation will publish a report on their website which will be accessible to the public. The Department will provide the Honourable Member for Newton Abbot with the weblink to the report at that time.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of additional costs incurred during eye tests on low income households attending opticians.

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

Free National Health Service sight tests are available to individuals on income-related benefits, and help is also available through the NHS low income scheme. An ophthalmic practitioner is required to undertake any clinically necessary tests to determine if a patient has any signs of injury, disease, or abnormality, and to refer the patient for any necessary further investigations. Therefore, no patient receiving a sight test under the NHS is required to incur any additional costs.

Additionally, NHS optical vouchers to help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses are available for eligible groups, including people on income-related benefits, and through the NHS low-income scheme. Patients can use their voucher to purchase their optical appliance from a supplier of choice, and there are providers who offer a range of glasses within voucher value.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that deafblind people are able to access appropriate social care.

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

Under the Care Act 2014 and the Care and Support (Assessment) Regulations 2014, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that deafblind people in their area access the right care and support. This includes making contact with, and keeping a record of, all deafblind people in their area, and ensuring that needs assessments are carried out by a person who has specific training and expertise relating to individuals who are deafblind. In addition, under the Equality Act (2010), local authorities must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is assessing how well local authorities in England are performing against their duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014, including their duties relating to the access and provision of care and support for deafblind people. Support for deafblind people will form part of the CQC’s overall assessment of local authorities’ delivery of adult social care. In that context, the CQC will report on it when there is something important to highlight, for example, something being done well, an innovative practice, or an area for improvement. So far, the CQC has published over twenty assessments, with ratings of Requires Improvement, Good, and Outstanding. By identifying local authorities’ strengths and areas for improvement, CQC assessments facilitate the sharing of good practice and help us to target support where it is most needed. These steps will help ensure deafblind people are accessing needs assessments and appropriate care.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that deafblind people are able to access care needs assessments.

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

Under the Care Act 2014 and the Care and Support (Assessment) Regulations 2014, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that deafblind people in their area access the right care and support. This includes making contact with, and keeping a record of, all deafblind people in their area, and ensuring that needs assessments are carried out by a person who has specific training and expertise relating to individuals who are deafblind. In addition, under the Equality Act (2010), local authorities must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is assessing how well local authorities in England are performing against their duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014, including their duties relating to the access and provision of care and support for deafblind people. Support for deafblind people will form part of the CQC’s overall assessment of local authorities’ delivery of adult social care. In that context, the CQC will report on it when there is something important to highlight, for example, something being done well, an innovative practice, or an area for improvement. So far, the CQC has published over twenty assessments, with ratings of Requires Improvement, Good, and Outstanding. By identifying local authorities’ strengths and areas for improvement, CQC assessments facilitate the sharing of good practice and help us to target support where it is most needed. These steps will help ensure deafblind people are accessing needs assessments and appropriate care.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing EU citizens with settled status in the UK the right to vote in local and parliamentary elections.

Answered by Rushanara Ali - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

EU citizens who were legally resident in the UK prior to withdrawal from the EU, or whose countries have a bilateral reciprocal voting rights agreement with the UK, can vote in local elections in England and Northern Ireland.

Citizens of EU Member States have never been able to vote in UK general election based on that citizenship. The Government has no plans to change this.

The franchise for local and devolved government elections in Scotland and Wales is a matter for the Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru respectively.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to reduce animal testing on decapod crustaceans in scientific research.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal.

The Government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year.

The use of animals in research is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which covers all living vertebrates and cephalopods but does not currently include decapods. Government strategy will cover species protected under ASPA, but this does not limit additional species from being protected as understanding of sentience evolves.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2025 to Question 28734 on Prisoners: Parents, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of having a parent in prison on SAT performances; and whether she plans to adopt moderated teacher assessments.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The department does not hold information on the impact of having a parent in prison on end of key stage 2 attainment nor does it carry out such analysis.

The purpose of the end of key stage 2 assessments is to understand pupils' attainment, including areas where they may need more support in order to support their transition into secondary school. Schools can use the assessment in this way to support pupils who may be experiencing an impact in attainment due to having a parent or primary carer in prison.

Statutory teacher assessment judgments take place at the end of key stage 2 for writing and science. Local authorities are required to externally moderate the teacher assessment of writing within at least 25% of maintained schools and 25% of academies and participating independent schools that opt into local authorities’ external moderation provisions. External moderation aims to give confidence that schools’ judgements are accurate and consistent with national standards.

The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review panel have been clear that SATs are an important part of assessing children’s progress throughout primary school, and that the system of primary assessment is currently working well. As the Review continues its second phase, it will consider how to build on effective systems to support the attainment of all children.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 46277 on Forests: Commodities, what his planned timetable is to set out plans for tackling deforestation.

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

The Government recognises the need to take action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation and we will set out our approach to addressing this in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many Rapid Deployment Cells are in use at Channings Wood.

Answered by Nicholas Dakin - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Whilst there are not any Rapid Deployment Cells (RDCs) currently in use at HMP Channings Wood, there are 30 RDCs in construction at the site. We expect these to be operational by the end of 2025.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45216 on Visas: Ukraine, if she will take steps to ensure financial reasons are not used as a factor when deciding to give Ukrainians indefinite leave to remain.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The UK continues to provide Ukrainian nationals and their family members, where they qualify, a specific route so that they are able to seek sanctuary in the UK. Permission to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme provides entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, those eligible to apply are not required to pay an application fee or the immigration health surcharge.

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme is not a route to settlement. These measures are consistent with our respectful wishes of the Government of Ukraine that its citizens will eventually return to Ukraine to help rebuild the country.

It is open to anyone on the Ukraine schemes to switch to any route to settlement within the Immigration Rules for which they qualify. It is fair that rules on other routes such as family or work routes that lead to settlement apply to all nationalities. This includes the financial requirements of the family rules and the salary requirements of work routes which must still be met at the point of settlement.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to ensure that the mining of (a) lithium, (b) nickel, (c) cobalt, (d) manganese and (e) graphite is (i) sustainable and (ii) does not negatively impact net zero targets.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

While recognising these critical minerals are crucial for the energy transition, Government supports efforts to reduce the environmental impact of mining operations themselves. At present, the UK only has mining operations for lithium. As with any UK domestic mining project, these operations need to comply with permitting and planning regulations that protect our natural environment. The UK’s new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure critical minerals for the long term, promoting responsible and sustainable supply chains.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce e-waste.

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

This Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. We have convened a Circular Economy Taskforce to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England. The Strategy will be supported by a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the government will make on a sector-by-sector basis, supporting government’s Missions to kickstart economic growth and make Britain a clean energy superpower. We are considering the evidence for sector-specific interventions right across the economy, including in the electronics sector, as we develop our Strategy.

We have also introduced a ban on the sale and supply of Single-Use Vapes from 1 June 2025 meaning that from this date wasteful single-use vape products will no longer be available on the UK market. Later this year we will also introduce legislation to ensure online marketplaces and vape producers are paying their fair share towards recycling costs of their products when they become waste.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that planned reforms to social care help tackle barriers for (a) deafblind people and (b) other disabled people with complex needs.

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

The Government recognises the challenges facing the adult social care system, and that people are suffering without the care they need or fighting a complicated system just to receive poor quality care.

The independent commission into adult social care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, will work with people who draw on care and their families, as well as sector partners, to make clear recommendations for how to rebuild the adult social care system to meet the current and future needs of the population, including for deafblind people and other disabled people with complex needs.

At the same time, we are committed to making immediate improvements. We will give disabled people more independence in their own homes through continued investment in the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), which funds practical changes that suit individual people’s needs. We have provided an uplift of £172 million across this and the last financial year, bringing the total funding for the DFG to £711 million in 2024/25 and 2025/26.

The Government understands the vital importance of coproduction, working directly with people who draw on care and support, including deafblind people and others with complex needs, to design policies that work for them to make their lives better.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 38211, tabled on 13 March 2025.

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

Question 38211 was answered on 8 April 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the (a) amount and (b) proportion of (i) lithium, (ii) nickel, (iii) cobalt, (iv) manganese and (v) graphite entering the UK from international mining operations that are potentially involved in human rights violations.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to promoting responsible business practice to reduce and prevent human rights violations. We work through a number of international mechanisms to deliver on this, including supporting the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains which enables business to continue to operate responsibly from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The UK's new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK's economic growth and clean energy transition, promoting responsible and transparent supply chains.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will ensure that imports of (a) lithium, (b) nickel, (c) cobalt, (d) manganese and (e) graphite do not come from mining operations that commit human rights violations.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to promoting responsible business practice to reduce and prevent human rights violations. We work through a number of international mechanisms to deliver on this, including supporting the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains which enables business to continue to operate responsibly from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The UK's new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK's economic growth and clean energy transition, promoting responsible and transparent supply chains.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of (a) lithium, (b) nickel, (c) cobalt, (d) manganese and (e) graphite imports come from mining operations that commit human rights violations.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to promoting responsible business practice to reduce and prevent human rights violations. We work through a number of international mechanisms to deliver on this, including supporting the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains which enables business to continue to operate responsibly from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The UK's new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK's economic growth and clean energy transition, promoting responsible and transparent supply chains.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45218 on Competition and Markets Authority: Public Appointments what steps is he is taking to help ensure adequate (a) scrutiny and (b) accountability of the new chair of the Competition and Markets authority to prevent conflicts of interest.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

As set out in the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) Framework Agreement, the performance of the CMA Chair is reviewed annually by the responsible Director General within the Department for Business and Trade in accordance with the Chair’s duties and in consultation with the CMA Board. As noted in my previous answer, a new Framework Agreement will be published later this year.

The CMA has published its own Conflicts of Interest Policy and also publishes a register of interests of all of its Board members.

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Safe sleep standards in early years settings

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Blockade of aid to Gaza

Climate and Nature Bill

Found: Emily Darlington; George Freeman; Dr Allison Gardner; Kit Malthouse; Steve Race; Adam Thompson; Martin Wrigley

Found: _NC7 Steff Aquarone Claire Young Martin Wrigley Jamie Stone Brian Mathew Alison Bennett Sir Desmond

Found: crawlers and AI models. 23 REPORT STAGE Wednesday 7 May 2025 _NC7 Steff Aquarone Claire Young Martin Wrigley

Found: _NC7 Steff Aquarone Claire Young Martin Wrigley Jamie Stone Brian Mathew Alison Bennett Sir Desmond