Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time is to process an application for (a) Leave to Remain and (b) Indefinite Leave to Remain; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce the time to process such applications.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

UKVI are currently processing applications on all of its routes where a customer service standard is operated within their published customer service standards. As previously announced by the Home Secretary, Family Reunion applications are currently paused. Visa processing times are published on the UKVI website at Visa processing times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK and Visa processing times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK.

It may take longer to process an application if:

• the information in the application is not accurate or needs more consideration
• further evidence needs to be provided, for example evidence of funds
• supporting documents need to be verified
• an interview is required

we need more information on personal circumstances (for example if there is a criminal conviction)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company on ensuring an effective community legacy from the Commonwealth Games.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Department is in regular contact with the Organising Company and Scottish Government to support Glasgow 2026. I was pleased to be able to visit Glasgow this summer and discuss with the Commonwealth Sport Coordination Commission and other partners the excellent work that is being done to ensure a successful event and legacy.

The Organising Company will publish further details in late 2025 on how the event will deliver lasting community benefits, alongside a range of other positive outcomes.

As a Government, we are proud to support the Glasgow Games, which will drive economic growth, showcase Scotland and the UK to the world, and build on the legacy of Glasgow 2014.

Scotland Demands Better campaign

Two-child limit

International Credit Union Day

Found: Wednesday 30 October 2024 Members present1 Patricia Ferguson, in the Chair2 Maureen Burke Harriet

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke, Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan

Found: Current membership Patricia Ferguson (Labour; Glasgow West) (Chair) Maureen Burke (Labour; Glasgow North

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Lillian Jones; Mr Angus

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Lillian Jones; Mr Angus

Found: Current membership Patricia Ferguson (Labour; Glasgow West) (Chair) Maureen Burke (Labour; Glasgow North

The UK Government has committed to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with plans to reach 3% in the next Parliament. Given Scotland’s significant role in the UK’s defence sector, this inquiry will explore how Scotland’s economy and job market can benefit, particularly through the creation of highly skilled jobs. The Committee will examine existing skills gaps in the sector, how they can be addressed to maximise the economic impact of investment, and the UK Government’s role in supporting the creation and retention of the skilled jobs needed to grow the defence industry. It will also consider how Scotland can support the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence’s engagement with Scottish SMEs, which dominate the Scottish private sector, as well as the use of local supply chains.

In Scotland, as in other parts of the UK, concerns have been raised about how high streets and town centres are changing. Scotland’s high streets face multiple challenges, and many have been described as being in ‘decline’. However, possible new models for resilient and thriving high streets are emerging, while there continues to be interest in community-led regeneration. This inquiry will engage with local communities and other stakeholders to explore what a positive vision for the future of Scottish high streets and town centres might look like, and to examine what role government might play in making this vision a reality.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

Transport infrastructure plays an important role among island communities, supporting local economies and ensuring access to essential services. In Scotland, geographic barriers and limited transport options can restrict mobility and contribute to depopulation. This inquiry will examine the strategic case for permanent transport links—such as tunnels and bridges—between Scotland’s islands and assess whether there is a role for the UK Government in supporting such projects.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

Reliable digital infrastructure is essential for enabling economic growth, public service delivery and social inclusion—especially in Scotland’s rural and island communities. These areas often face unique challenges due to geographic isolation and low population density, which can make the rollout of broadband and mobile networks more complex and costly. This inquiry will explore how digital connectivity can be improved across Scotland, and whether current UK and Scottish Government initiatives are delivering for the communities that need them most.