Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026 to Question 17650 on National Security: Finance, whether there is a long list of items of spending which are eligible to be scored as (i) defence and (ii) security spending for the purposes of NATO targets.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 20 July 2026 to Question UIN 17650, which set out the definition for the 1.5% security spending. NATO’s definition sets out that spend should be to protect our critical infrastructure, defend our networks, ensure our civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation and strengthen our defence industrial base. Further definitions of qualifying spend is classified.

In relation to the core defence spending, NATO’s definition of what qualifies can be found at the following link: https://www.nato.int/en/what-we-do/introduction-to-nato/defence-expenditures-and-natos-5-commitment.

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 16 July 2026, to Question 15820, on Jam: Labelling, what assessment has been made of whether dynamic alignment under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement will mean certain (a) vitamins or (b) minerals on sale in Great Britain to the general public will be banned or restricted as a consequence of the annex of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1798, Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 and other EU law.

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

As part of the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement currently being negotiated, this Government is making a sovereign choice in the national interest to align in some areas where it makes sense to do so. This Government has published a list of EU legislation it currently expects to be in scope, including Regulation 1925/2006 on the addition of vitamins, minerals and certain other substances to foods. The final scope of the agreement, and its precise implications for particular products, remain subject to the outcome of ongoing negotiations with the EU. This Government will continue to work with affected industry to prepare for implementation.

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 16 July 2026, to Question 15820, on Jam: Labelling, what assessment has been made of how dynamic alignment under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement will affect still and sparkling wine producers in Great Britain.

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

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement is still being negotiated and the final list of legislation in scope remains subject to negotiations. This Government has begun publishing sector-specific information to help businesses prepare. The agreement will make agri-food trade with the EU cheaper and easier, cutting costs and removing barriers for British producers.

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 9 July 2026, to Question 14619, on Angling: Licensing, if she will provide a relevant hyperlink for the Cabinet Office spend control approval published by the Cabinet Office on gov.uk for that spending.

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

Cabinet Office spend control approvals are not routinely published on GOV.UK. The approval referenced in the answer of 9 July 2026 related to an internal Cabinet Office spend control process and no specific published GOV.UK hyperlink is available for that individual approval.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026, to Question 6099, on Foreign Relations, if he will list each Non-Legally Binding Instrument that has been signed by the department and it's Arms Length Bodies since July 2024 other than those subject to the sensitive diplomatic, security or defence interest provisions.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

Since July 2024, the Ministry of Justice (including its Arm’s Length Bodies) has agreed the following international, non-legally binding instruments that are not subject to sensitive diplomatic, security or defence interest provisions:

• Signed on 14 November 2024: Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Poland on cooperation in criminal justice matters. Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/memorandum-of-understanding-between-the-uk-and-poland-on-cooperation-in-criminal-justice-matters

• Signed on 8 May 2025: Memorandum of Cooperation between the UK and Ukraine on supporting Ukraine’s justice sector reforms and strengthening the rule of law. Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-pledges-support-to-strengthen-ukraines-justice-system

• Adopted on 28 May 2025: The European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ) recommendations CM/Rec(2025)5 on the protection of the rights and best interests of the child in care proceedings, and CM/Rec(2025)4 on the protection of the rights and best interests of the child in parental separation proceedings. Link: https://www.coe.int/en/web/cdcj/-/adoption-of-two-committee-of-ministers-recommendations-on-the-rights-and-best-interests-of-the-child-in-parental-separation-and-care-proceedings

• Adopted on 4 March 2026: The Council of Europe’s recommendation CM/Rec(2026)2 on ensuring accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. Link: https://search.coe.int/cm?i=09125948802acd83

• Signed on 8 June 2026: Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Latvia on justice cooperation. Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/memorandum-of-understanding-between-the-uk-and-latvia-on-justice-cooperation

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 20810 on Treasury: Special Advisers, how many staff does the Chief of Staff (a) direct and (b) manage.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Details of Special Advisers will be published in due course in line with government transparency data requirements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 21040 on Tobacco Tax Gap: Wastewater Analysis, for what reason the research was commissioned.

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

The research was commissioned to assess whether wastewater analysis could provide a new source of data on tobacco and nicotine consumption, helping to strengthen HMRC’s understanding of the tobacco tax gap estimates.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2026 to Question 23863, on Treasury: Facilities Agreements, if he will publish facility time data for 2025-26.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The 2025-26 data was provided in response to Parliamentary Question 23863, which is available at the link below:

Written Questions, Answers and Statements.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what meetings (a) Global Counsel and (b) Duolingo have had with Investment Ministers since July 2024.

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

Details of the meetings held by Ministers of the Department for Business and Trade are available on transparency pages of gov.uk and are released as part of the Government’s transparency agenda.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 16 December 2025 to Question 96684 on Tim Allan, whether Tim Allan was eligible in the future to exercise the share options set out in the 2024 Strand Partners company accounts lodged with Companies House.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

There is an established system in place for the declaration and management of special advisers' interests. As has been the case under successive administrations, interests deemed relevant for publication for special advisers in No10 and the Cabinet Office are published on an annual basis by the Cabinet Office. As set out in the answer referred to, before joining the government, Mr Allan sought and received advice on his interests. He followed the advice received.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the publication of Cabinet Office Publication of Special Adviser Interests 2025-2026, on 16 July 2026, for what reason Tim Allan was not asked to dispose of her shareholdings in the four public affairs and public relations companies.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

There is an established system in place for the declaration and management of special advisers' interests. As has been the case under successive administrations, interests deemed relevant for publication for special advisers in No10 and the Cabinet Office are published on an annual basis by the Cabinet Office. As set out in the answer referred to, before joining the government, Mr Allan sought and received advice on his interests. He followed the advice received.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office, Briefing pack for the position of Director General, Propriety & Constitution, August 2026, page 3, for what reason there are three Deputy Directors for the Duty of Candour on the Cabinet Office organogram.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Duty of Candour Directorate contains three Deputy Directors. One is full-time, and the other two are part-time.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the council tax for the Prime Ministerial official residence in Downing Street is being paid for by the (a) Government Property Agency, (b) Cabinet Office and (c) Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Member to UIN HL2322 tabled in the House of Lords:

The Prime Minister resides in the flat in 11 Downing Street and pays full council tax on the property as his primary residence.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication entitled Government Procurement Card spend over £500 - May 2026 (Cabinet Office Core), of 25 June 2026, what the transaction WWW.CHANDCOGROUP.COM, Ref: 11529590988 was for.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The European and Global Issues Secretariat held their annual away day at the UCL Olympic Village campus. CHANDCOGROUP provides catering services to parts of the Government estate as well as some university campuses- including UCL's Olympic village campus. The business unit covered the cost of refreshments on arrival and lunch for their more than 100 members of staff at the away day.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office news story, "Machinery of Government changes: Fact Sheet", of 22 July 2026, whether the (a) 10 Downing Street and (b) Cabinet Office still exist as a business unit within the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, or whether the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet is a business unit of the Cabinet Office.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Number 10 is part of the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Cabinet Office is the legal department of state.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the new Prime Minster has spoken to the Chinese Government since his appointment.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Prime Minister spoke with President Xi Jinping of China on 8 September 2026. Summaries of telephone calls and meetings held by the Prime Minister are regularly made available to the public on GOV.UK.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Answer of 20 July 2026 to Question HL1330 on Taxation: Self-assessment, whether the Prime Minister will publish a tax return on gov.uk.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Any publication of tax returns would be announced in the usual way.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office policy paper, Rewiring the State – Cabinet Statement, of 31 July 2026, how many statutory duties for local authorities to consult has her Department identified as part of its statutory duties review.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This exercise was only carried out for consultation and reporting duties on central government.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Morgan McSweeney was paid a severance payment when he left Crown Service.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Rt Hon member to the answer of 5th June 2026, PQ 3299.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2026, to Question 7481, on Cabinet Office: Lanyards, whether any expenditure has been undertaken on branded lanyards since the publication of her guidance on branded goods in April 2025.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Since the publication of guidance on branded goods in April 2025, Cabinet Office has not purchased any branded lanyards for promotional purposes. Lanyards purchased for operational purposes are not within the scope of the ban on branded goods.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether guidance has been given to special advisers since July 2026 on speaking to the media.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Special Adviser Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and requirements of Special Advisers engagement with the media. The Special Advisers’ Transparency Guidance available on GOV.UK provides further details of requirements for reporting of meetings with senior media figures.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many No10 special advisers are permanently assigned to No10 North in Manchester.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

9 Special Advisers currently have No.10 North as their primary place of work.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the First Civil Service Commissioner's letter to Heads of Department of 22 July 2026, whether the requirement that Permanent Secretary competitions be chaired by the First Civil Service Commissioner is (a) a statutory requirement, (b) a requirement of the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles or (c) set out in other guidance.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Paragraphs 44-47 of the Civil Service Recruitment Principles set out the principles for Permanent Secretary competitions. As set out in paragraph 44, "Permanent Secretary competitions must be chaired by the First Civil Service Commissioner (or nominee), who will be responsible for ensuring that Ministers, including the Prime Minister, are fully involved in competitions in which they have an interest and that their views are relayed to the panel, and taken into account."

The requirements for the publication of the Recruitment Principles are set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will list the name of each business unit in each of the restructured (a) Cabinet Office and (b) Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and (c) OneGov Delivery Agency.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

On 21 July, the Prime Minister announced the creation of a new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the intention to establish the OneGov Delivery Agency as an arm’s length-body. (Official Report, Statement HLWS298).

Information about departmental structures and personnel, including individual business units, is routinely published on GOV.UK as part of standard transparency reporting, available specifically at: https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/ff76be1f-4f37-4bef-beb7-32b259413be1/organogram-cabinet-office

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will list each business unit within (a) the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and (b) her Department.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

On 21 July, the Prime Minister announced the creation of a new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the intention to establish the OneGov Delivery Agency as an arm’s length-body. (Official Report, Statement HLWS298).

Information about departmental structures and personnel, including individual business units, is routinely published on GOV.UK as part of standard transparency reporting, available specifically at: https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/ff76be1f-4f37-4bef-beb7-32b259413be1/organogram-cabinet-office

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the 10 Downing Street press release entitled PM hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode, published on 30 July 2026, whether there is a (a) headcount target for the Civil Service and (b) timetable for the Civil Service to become smaller.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Our plan to rewire the state devolves power and decision making to put local areas in control of their own public services and economic growth. As mayoral strategic authorities assume new responsibilities, central Civil Service functions will adjust accordingly.

We will ensure the Future Civil Service retains the right capabilities to deliver national priorities, operating alongside regional partners without central duplication. This will mean a smaller and more strategic Civil Service, focused on the challenges that can best be dealt with at a national level. We believe this represents an opportunity for the Civil Service to adapt and learn through greater interchange with regional and local government, becoming more porous and working together to deliver better outcomes for the citizens we serve. We will set out more details on our proposals to rewire the state later this autumn.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Civil Service Commission document entitled Submission Form – Exception 10 – Conversion to Permanency Request, updated on 24 March 2026, how many applications have been (a) submitted and (b) approved in 2026 for which the latest data is available.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Between 1 January and 5 October 2026 the Cabinet Office did not submit any applications to the Civil Service Commission to approve the process of Exception 10: Conversion to permanency of suitable candidates appointed under Exception 1. Also, no applications were approved by the Commission within this period.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will list the Justice Impact Tests his Department has undertaken since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Justice Impact Test (JIT) is an internal Government process used by policymakers across Government to assess the potential impacts of policy proposals on the justice system. It forms part of the advice and analysis that informs the development of Government policy.

Disclosure of JITs undertaken could prejudice the effective formulation and development of Government policy. I am therefore unable to provide the information requested.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will name the social media influencers who have been paid to undertake government advertising since July 2024.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

Commercial sensitivities exist around aspects of this spend which could prejudice commercial interests, so we are unable to release individual names. All spend in these areas are subject to the standard value for money assessments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much has been spent on hotel accommodation for No10 North staff, Ministers and special advisers since its opening.

Answered by Sally Jameson - Parliamentary Secretary and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As staff have been surged from a number of departments, accommodation cost information is not centrally collated. Costs are being met within existing departmental budgets.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and what proportion of full-time staff on full pay in his Department work compressed hours over a four day week.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of regulators and Arm’s Length Bodies having shorter business appointment rule restrictions than the Civil Service on the effectiveness of the restrictions.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Business Appointment Rules apply to civil servants, special advisers, and ministers via their relevant codes of conduct.

Public bodies operating at arm’s length from the government are expected to implement their own equivalent processes to the Rules to manage potential conflicts of interest. These should be tailored to the specific organisational context, and in line with relevant guidance and support from their sponsor department.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether her Department provides centralised EDI guidance for departments and Arm’s-Length Bodies.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We provide centralised EDI guidance in some areas including the Guidance on Diversity and Inclusion and Impartiality for Civil Service and the Civil Service Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expenditure Guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2026, to Question 19362, on Public Appointments: Secondment, and with reference to the Direct Ministerial Appointment portal entry, Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and NetZero, of 2 February 2026, if she will publish detail on which organisation the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and Net Zero has been seconded from.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon. member to the answer to PQ 19362 of 7 September 2026.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will place a copy of the letter she sent to all Departments on the new procurement rules; if she will place copies of the responses received from Departments in the Library concerning (a) the top 10 UK suppliers with high growth potential they were asked to identify and (b) the top three non-fiscal blockers to growth they were asked to identify.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This letter and any responses are internal correspondence and there are no plans to place them in the House Library.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many staff are in HMRC's Valuation Office's High Value Council Tax Team.

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

As at 31 August 2026, the headcount for all staff in HMRC's Valuation Office's High Value Council Tax Team was 294.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what are the estimated net contributions to/from the European Union in each year following the EU/UK reset, including contributions to Erasmus+ and the EU Cohesion Fund, and what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the reset on the 2030 net payment to the UK.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government does not produce an estimate of a single net annual contribution to or from the European Union. Payments relating to the UK's participation in EU programmes and other agreements are disclosed in the relevant departmental accounts. For Erasmus+ in particular, contributions in 2027 are estimated at £570m. Participation in EU programmes under the next Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028 will be subject to further negotiations.

The UK is not currently contributing to EU Cohesion Funds as a consequence of the May 2025 Common Understanding. Whilst the EU is seeking to establish a mechanism for a UK financial contribution towards reducing economic and social disparities between the regions of the Union as part of participation in the Internal Electricity Market, any UK financial contribution would be subject to negotiations with the EU, and no contributions have yet been made or agreed upon.

The UK also continues to make and receive payments under the financial provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement. The Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast of those payments is presented on a net basis and is published in the OBR’s biannual Economic and Fiscal Forecast. The forecast negative value in 2030 reflects the expectation that receipts will exceed payments in that year. Obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement are not impacted by the May 2025 Common Understanding.

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 10 September 2026, to Question 20211, on INTERREG Programme, whether any financial corrections were applied by her Department.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

No financial corrections have been applied by my Department in relation to the 2014-2020 Interreg Programmes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to the oral evidence, Work of HM Revenue and Customs, Treasury Select Committee, 9 September 2026, HC5, Q610, what is the specific health survey for England that is used to obtain data from people’s saliva, and whether the participants are explicitly informed that the data will be used by HMRC.

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

The Health Survey for England (HSE) is an annual survey that provides estimates of the prevalence of health conditions, health-related risk factors, and behaviours among people living in England. Participants provide a saliva sample, which is used to measure cotinine levels. Cotinine is a derivative of nicotine and is used as an indicator of exposure to tobacco smoke.

Participants are informed that anonymised survey data will be made available for research and statistical purposes. Before data are shared, information that could directly identify an individual, such as their name, date of birth, address and contact details, are removed.

Researchers and analysts can apply to access the data, but only for approved research or statistical purposes and subject to strict data governance standards.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her policy on Heathrow expansion remains the same as outlined in the Government press release, "New consultation sets foundations for Heathrow expansion to take off", of 18 June 2026.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government published the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) for consultation on 18 June 2026.

The consultation closed on 1 September 2026 and the Government is currently considering the responses received. The Transport Select Committee is also scrutinising the draft HENPS and has yet to publish its recommendations.

The Government will consider the Committee's recommendations alongside consultation responses before setting out its response and any next steps in relation to the HENPS in due course.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 11 September 2026, to Question 21138, on Media: Regulation, on what date the roundtables took place that the Centre for Countering Digital Hate participated in, and what was the topic and title of each.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (now DCMS) met the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) on 5 September 2024 to discuss how the online environment may have contributed to the post-Southport disorder.

The department also met CCDH on 23 February 2026, to discuss the monetisation of harmful content online.

DCMS continues to engage with a range of civil society organisations to support the development of online harms policy.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 82 of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC524, published in July 2026, whether a fine or penalty has been levied by HMRC in addition to the settlement to HMRC of underpaid IR35 tax liabilities.

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

NDA Group has not received any penalties from HMRC in relation to the settlement of the historic IR35 liabilities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 21040 on Tobacco Tax Gap: Wastewater Analysis, if he will pause increases in tobacco duties until HMRC has completed its wastewater analysis research into the tobacco tax gap.

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

At Budget 2024, the Government renewed the commitment to a tobacco duty escalator, which increases duty by 2 per cent above RPI inflation at each Budget, until the end of the current Parliament.

The duty escalator increase was implemented together with a further one-off increase of £2.20 per 100 cigarettes and per 50g of other tobacco products on 1 October 2026, alongside the introduction of Vaping Products Duty. The one-off increase maintains the financial incentive to switch from tobacco to vaping for existing smokers.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the written statement of 3 September 2026, HCWS311, on Statement of Changes in Immigration rules, what estimate has been made of the number of foreign national students who will visit the United Kingdom a year as a consequence of the changes made on the Erasmus+ scheme.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

In 2018/19, there were approximately 31,000 inbound higher education (HE) student mobilities through the Erasmus+ programme, and around 16,000 outbound HE student mobilities in the same year. The department expects there will be a greater number of HE mobilities on reassociation, given the expansion of the programme.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2026, to Question 19357, on Quadrature Capital, what are the mitigation measures taken in relation to Quadrature Climate Foundation.

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

The Department has implemented appropriate governance and conflict management measures to manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interests. These include requirements for conflict of interest declarations, controls on information sharing, and governance arrangements to ensure that individuals with relevant interests are excluded from related discussions and decision-making. These arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with departmental obligations on propriety, ethics and the management of public resources.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2026 to Question 19357, on Quadrature Capital, what measures her Department has taken that mitigate risks of Conflicts of Interest.

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

The Department has implemented appropriate governance and conflict management measures to manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interests. These include requirements for conflict of interest declarations, controls on information sharing, and governance arrangements to ensure that individuals with relevant interests are excluded from related discussions and decision-making. These arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with departmental obligations on propriety, ethics and the management of public resources.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 20797 on Competition and Markets Authority: Darlington Economic Campus, what was the percentage of Darlington office attendance calculated on the basis of (a) the number of unique individual security pass swipes and (b) Wifi access recorded by the access control system as a percentage of CMA staff assigned to work in the Darlington building multiplied by the number of working days in that month in the most recent quarter for which data is available.

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

The Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) does not collect office attendance data on the basis of (a) the number of unique individual security pass swipes or (b) Wi-Fi access records captured by the access control system.

Office attendance for CMA staff assigned to work at the Darlington Economic Campus was approximately 47% in the most recent quarter for which data is available (June to August 2026).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Welsh Government's Written Statement: An Ethical Framework for Welsh Government Engagement with the Defence Sector, of 3 September 2026, what discussions his Department has had with the Welsh Government on that policy; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of deferring investment in the defence sector on the United Kingdom’s defence capabilities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I recently met with Welsh Government Ministers to discuss the ethical framework and to underline the important role that the Welsh defence industry plays in the defence of the UK.

I am keen to ensure that Wales remains competitive and attractive to inward investment, and MOD officials are working closely with Welsh Government to understand how the ethical framework will be implemented.

Alongside this engagement, we continue to deliver the roll-out of the Welsh Defence Growth Deal and other MOD investments in Wales.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 22937 on NATO: Nuclear Weapons, whether the NATO Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission is classified as a tactical nuclear weapon.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 75028 on 15 September 2025.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-04/75028

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the BIST certification officer investigation into the financial affairs of Unite the Union on the security implications of civil servants secondments to Unite.

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

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) has not undertaken an overarching assessment of the security implications arising from the Certification Officer’s investigation for employees from BIST, or former Department for Business and Trade (DBT), seconded to Unite the Union. There are no current or previous secondments from BIST or former DBT to Unite on which to base such an assessment. All secondments from BIST, including arrangements from former DBT, are considered individually. Each case is assessed on its circumstances, including relevant security implications and the safeguards to manage them in line with Departmental and wider Civil Service policies.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, further to the press release, Prime Minister Andy Burnham sets out plans for a new National Care Service, 29 September 2026, if he will publish the methodology used to calculate the £15 billion and £50 billion figures, and what are the equivalent figures discounted by (a) GDP deflator and (b) social time discounting; and what is the specific formula that will be used to account for earnings in the adjusted Triple Lock policy.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The methodology used to produce the estimates is set out in the method section of the Department’s published State Pension uprating analysis, available on GOV.UK: State Pension uprating. Also in this publication are both nominal and real term figures on saving, where the nominal savings of £15 billion and £50 billion are presented as £11 billion and £30 billion respectively in 2025/2026 earnings terms.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Khan Khan has been renumerated by his Department for his promotion of the Government since July 2024 (a) directly and (b) via a creative agency.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

If the Hon Member is referring to Feroz Khan, then I can confirm that he has not been remunerated directly or by any agency in relation to work with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office since July 2024.

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 the implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 on levels of inflation.

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

The Government has published a comprehensive assessment on the impact of the Employment Rights Act. This analysis is available at: Employment Rights Act 2025: impact assessments - GOV.UK.

The analysis demonstrates that the cost of the package is proportionate – equivalent to a 0.1% increase in annual employment costs – and will be a net benefit to society. The assessment notes that prices are one of numerous channels through which firms may respond to these costs, however, there is limited evidence linking employment regulation changes and inflation.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what plans he has to make primary legislation on (a) trade union law or (b) employment rights; and whether his Department has received representations from the TUC on this matter.

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

The TUC are important partners in the delivery of our Plan to Make Work Pay. My officials and I regularly meet with their representatives on a wide range of matters. Any further primary legislation would be announced to Parliament in the usual way.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Impact Assessment, Amending the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, of 13 November 2024, page 3, how many times has the UK-wide monitoring group met to date in relation to the addition of synthetic folic acid to non-wholemeal flour.

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

The UK-wide monitoring group referred to in the published impact assessment (November 2024) has been replaced by a four-nations policy group. The group met four times in 2025 and continue to meet regularly to discuss ongoing plans to evaluate the impact of the policy for the fortification of flour with folic acid.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the additional costs of security for the office of No10 North will be borne by Greater Manchester Police.

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

The Government does not disclose information on protective security at specific sites, including funding arrangements. This reflects a long-standing policy designed to protect the integrity and effectiveness of security measures, as the release of such information could increase vulnerabilities and compromise site security.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average percentage attendance rate was of assigned UKHSA staff at 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester in the most recent working week for which figures are available (a) as a percentage of assigned staff and (b) in absolute terms.

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

The requested data is not centrally collected by the Department.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the "UK-EU SPS agreement – information for businesses" published on 12 August 2026, what discussions she has had with businesses on EU regulations on food packaging and packaging waste.

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

EU legislation on food contact materials (materials used during production, storage, and serving) is within scope of the SPS agreement. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is outside the agreement’s scope although negotiations continue. Defra and FSA are engaging closely with industry on technical changes required by the agreement.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is her Department's policy that British farms and food manufacturers will be obliged to follow EU farming and food regulations, following the SPS agreement, if the firms (a) do not trade with the EU and only trade within Britain and (b) export to outside the EU.

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

The SPS agreement with the EU means that Great Britain will apply certain rules in line with the EU. These arrangements will apply domestically, whether or not a business trades directly with the EU. This Government has published a list of EU legislation that it currently views as being in scope of the agreement. The precise scope of the agreement remains subject to ongoing negotiations with the EU. We will provide clear guidance to help all businesses understand and prepare for what's ahead.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 11 September 2026, to Question 21006, on Media: Regulation, what is her Department's policy on further regulation of the press.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The UK has a self-regulatory system for the press, which is independent from Government. An independent press is important for press freedom and to ensure the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources.

We expect all publishers to operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to high ethical and professional standards, as well as ensure appropriate routes to redress if these standards are not met. However, the Government does not intervene in or evaluate the work of regulators, including the Independent Press Standards Organisation. Since the findings of the Leveson Report in 2012 there has been a substantial shift in the regulatory landscape, including the establishment of two regulators, IPSO and Impress, as well as the Press Recognition Panel, to ensure these high standards are met.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the reasons for 30 year gilts reaching 6% as of 1 October 2026.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

As is long-standing convention, the government does not comment on specific financial market movements. Gilt yields are determined by a wide range of international and domestic factors.

The Chancellor has been clear that that fiscal credibility is his first priority, and he and the Prime Minister are committed to meeting the fiscal rules with a buffer against uncertainty, controlling borrowing to bear down on inflation, and reducing long term pressures on our public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Government intends to cite provisional estimates by the OBR in the future.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is the government’s official forecaster. The OBR will publish its next forecast assessing the UK economic and fiscal outlook on 28 October alongside the Budget.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, further to the HMT press release, "Chancellor backs young people into work by supporting jobs", of 28 September, if he will itemise the savings found by his Department for the Union Learning Fund, and in which financial years do they apply.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that £15 million a year of additional funding will be allocated to restore the Union Learning Fund in England from next year.

The fund will help working people gain new skills, progress at work and adapt as technology, including AI, changes the workplace. It will draw on trade unions’ trusted workplace relationships to reach those people and help them access training through their employers and existing skills programmes. The costs of the Fund will be fully met from savings elsewhere in DWP. Further details will be provided at the Autumn Budget.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the office attendance target is for HM Treasury staff assigned to Darlington; and what the attendance rate was in the last quarter.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

HM Treasury's office attendance policy applies across all of its office locations including Darlington Economic Campus. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in their contractual workplace, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed through workplace adjustments

The Department uses aggregated building access data to understand overall occupancy levels but does not monitor attendance at the individual level. Line managers are responsible for supporting and monitoring compliance with the departments office attendance expectations.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed overnight visitor levy on the activities of Scouts, Guides and other youth organisations.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The levy will apply to short-term, commercially let overnight accommodation. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will be for strategic authorities, subject to local consultation. Strategic authorities will also have the option to exempt certain types of accommodation in their areas, such as tent pitches, touring caravan pitches and dormitory-style accommodation like hostels in their areas. This approach gives local leaders the tools to respond to local challenges and opportunities, including any affordability concerns.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the written statement of 13 July 2026, HCWS226, on Ukraine Support, what is the financial contribution that the UK will be required to make to the EU for participation in the Ukraine Support Loan programme as a third country, and whether it will be based on the size of the UK GDP relative to EU GDP; and what is the estimated UK liability for interest payments in each year.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK and the EU welcomed the agreement of UK participation in the EU's Ukraine Support Loan (USL) on 13 July. Through this agreement, UK defence companies will be eligible to bid for procurement contracts funded by the loan. In return, the UK will make a contribution to the borrowing costs of the loan proportionate to the value of contracts secured by UK industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the answer of 13 January 2026, to Question 103301, on Military Aircraft: Carbon Emissions, if he will provide the equivalent information for the 2025 calendar year; and what is the company which provides the carbon credits.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

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

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2026 to Question 12169 on Business: Regulation, whether regulations stemming from EU legislation are in scope of the targets.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government's commitment to cut the administrative burden of regulation on business by 25% by the end of this Parliament covers central UK government regulation, as set out in the Technical Annex published in July 2026.

Consistent with the Standard Cost Model, regulations originating from EU or international obligations are within scope to the extent that they are implemented domestically.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the PCS press release entitled Valuation Office withdraws HVCTS Office Attendance communication, published on 24 August 2026, for what reason HMRC withdrew the Office Attendance communication; and what is the current office attendance expectation.

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

In line with HMRC’s hybrid working policy, employees are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office.

Where there is a clear business need, employees can be required to attend the office more than the standard 60%.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Cabinet Office policy statement, Rewiring the State – Cabinet Statement, of 31 July 2026, whether strategic authority mayors will be able to cut (a) income taxes, (b) business rates or (c) council tax, using the revenues from locally-retained central government taxes.

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

The Government’s proposal will assign mayors a share of locally raised income tax and provide greater business rates retention. They will not give mayors powers to change the rates of income tax, business rates or council tax, which will continue to be set under the relevant existing arrangements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2026 to Question 20578 on Sanctions, what other parts of Government may have remit over exemptions.

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

A range of departments, agencies and regulators are responsible for the effective enforcement of UK sanctions and work closely to ensure a joined-up approach including on licensing in relation to sanctions. The division of responsibilities and cross-departmental working can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-sanctions

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the differences in safety rules between (a) buses and (b) coaches, and the effect on competition and comparative advantage between the two sectors.

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

Buses and coaches are both regulated as Public Service Vehicles and are expected to meet high safety standards.

The Department is aware of industry representations regarding differences in certain regulatory requirements, including restrictions affecting some younger passenger-carrying vehicle drivers. Through ongoing engagement with the sector, the Department has considered views on the effect of these requirements on bus and coach operators. The Department has recently re-engaged with industry to assess the potential impacts of removing restrictions affecting 18 and 19-year-old drivers and is considering next steps.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the answer of 27 February 2026, to Question 112638, on Courtdesk: Data protection, why the unauthorised release of the sensitive personal data was deemed by the departmental data protection officer not to be a reportable data breach in this instance.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The departmental Data Protection Officer carefully considered the circumstances of this incident and concluded that it did not meet the threshold for notification to the Information Commissioner's Office. While the use of the data was found to be outside the agreed contractual arrangements, the information was processed using an enterprise-licensed AI service that had been subject to appropriate due diligence and contractual safeguards. There was no evidence of unauthorised access, wider disclosure, misuse of the data, or any resulting risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. Following assessment in line with the Ministry of Justice Personal Data Incident Management Process, officials concluded that the incident did not meet the threshold for notification to either the ICO or the affected data subjects.

HMCTS, working with the Ministry of Justice, The National Archives and the Judiciary, has introduced a licensing framework for the computational re-use of court and tribunal hearing data published via the Court and Tribunal Hearings Service (CaTH).

The framework offers a one-year Experimental Licence for non-public proofs of concept and a three-year Transactional Licence for commercial products and services. All applications are subject to approval by the Third-Party Courts and Tribunals Governance Panel. Further guidance is available at Court and Tribunal Hearings Service or (HMCTS) Third-Party Courts and Tribunals Data Licence.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the news story, “New proposals just the ticket for getting young people into transport”, of 11 April 2024, what consideration has been made since July 2024 of lower age limits and removing restrictions for younger drivers in the coach industry and to address skill shortages.

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

The Government is committed to working with the bus and coach sectors to support them in being able to meet both their current and future labour requirements.

In April 2024, under the previous government, the Department launched a consultation to help support driver recruitment. This included a measure to amend licensing restrictions which would enable 18 to 19-year-olds to drive a bus and coach over 50km when driving a regular service, with the aim of increasing the number of available drivers, particularly for longer, more rural routes.  The limited scope of this consultation meant we were unable to assess the impact of removing restrictions without further evidence.

The Department has been engaging with the bus and coach industry, alongside road safety groups, to understand potential impacts of amending both route restrictions for 18 and 19 year olds. We are considering the evidence carefully and will set out our next steps in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to the answer of 21 September 2026, to Question HL3158, on Budget October 2026, whether any Budget 2026 policy announcements have been trailed or floated in the media to date, to provide context and help the public understand major fiscal events.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

No.

The government abides by the Macpherson Principles and all relevant codes around Government announcements, including the Budget.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 20808 on Budget November 2025, whether policies in the forthcoming 2026 Budget will be pre-briefed to the media.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The government abides by the Macpherson Principles and all relevant codes around Government announcements, including the Budget.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has been made of whether HM Treasury has sufficient staff with accountancy skills.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The department keeps workforce capability under regular review, including the availability of professional finance and accountancy expertise across HM Treasury and the wider Government Finance Function.

Many roles in HM Treasury require a blend of finance, policy and economic expertise and therefore do not necessarily need to be filled by professionally qualified accountants. Economic and analytic professionals are also very important in delivering HM Treasury's objectives and decision-making. The department continues to invest in strengthening financial, economic and analytic capability through targeted learning and development programmes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the answer of 21 September 2026 to Question HL3161 on Monetary Policy, what the approved image library is; and what the licensing cost was of using the Can’t we just print more money image in the HMT Annual Report.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Images are for the Annual Report and Accounts are either taken specifically for inclusion or are sourced from Flickr, an online photo sharing site, with relevant permissions sought from the copyright owner to use. The image in question came from the Bank of England Flickr account and no charge was incurred to use the image.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 21 September 2026 to Question HL3158 on Budget October 2026, whether his Department briefed the media in relation to the council tax surcharge threshold potentially being reduced to £1.5 million.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

No

As has always been the case, decisions on tax are a matter for the Chancellor to set out at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on rumour, speculation or proposals.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Prime Minister's statement of 1 September 2026, Official Report, Column 36, on Direction of Government, what the terms of reference are for the Democracy Taskforce in her Department; who its members are; how many civil servants are assigned to work on that taskforce; and how it differs from the Defending Democracy taskforce.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

We are assembling a new cross-Government task and finish team to identify next steps for tackling the issue of mega donors in UK politics, and putting politics under public control. This team will examine issues of illegitimate political influence and identify further measures to make political donations less beholden to ‘vested interests’.

The new team will operate in conjunction with the work already being delivered by HMG’s Defending Democracy Taskforce, which works across government to tackle the full spectrum of national security threats to our democracy.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 28 July 2026, to Question 16155, on Intelligence Services: Summer Internship Programme, whether the UK Intelligence Community classifies the internship schemes which are not open to white Britons as (a) employment, (b) vocational training or (c) another arrangement.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The intelligence internships referred to in Question 16155 are not employment or vocational training; they are internship schemes.