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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to review the regulations governing the passage of pets to and from the United Kingdom to simplify the process for owners who meet all health and documentation requirements.

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

The Government takes the importation of pets seriously and is committed to preserving the United Kingdom’s high standards of biosecurity and animal welfare.

We carefully monitor the effectiveness of our pet travel rules to ensure they safeguard our biosecurity and remain proportionate for pet owners.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, which will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper.

Instead of getting an animal health certificate each time they travel, pet owners will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU. We are expecting to start negotiations in the autumn, once the EU has confirmed their mandate.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) the Financial Conduct Authority and (b) representatives of the insurance industry on the (i) availability and (ii) affordability of home insurance policies that provide cover for domestic air-to-water heat pumps; and what steps she is taking to ensure that households adopting low-carbon heating technologies have access to adequate insurance protection.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Treasury Ministers and officials have regular meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors on an ongoing basis.

Insurers make commercial decisions about the terms on which they will offer cover following an assessment of the relevant risks. This is usually informed by the insurer’s claims experience and other industry-wide statistics. The Government does not usually intervene in these decisions.

However, the Government is committed to ensuring that insurers treat their customers fairly and insurance companies are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will take steps to ensure that historic (a) NHS and (b) GP records can be reviewed to identify women who were prescribed Diethylstilbestrol between the 1940s and 1970s.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The issue of diethylstilbesterol (DES) and vaginal carcinoma in the daughters of women who took DES during pregnancy was reviewed by the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) in the early 1970s. In 1973, the CSM wrote to all doctors to inform them of the results of a study into the topic from the United States, and the absence of identified cases in the United Kingdom.

The work of the committee predates the existence of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), when medicines vigilance was only in its infancy and there were no electronic records and no systematic monitoring of prescriptions.

There has been a step change in reporting and record keeping since this time, and today's regulatory frameworks are significantly different, with much stricter post-authorisation monitoring allowing for earlier identification and action on emerging safety issues. The MHRA regulates medicines supplied in the UK. Its activity spans the whole of a medicine’s lifecycle. The MHRA keeps the safety of all medicines under continual review.

Government advice currently is that routine cervical screening is appropriate for those who believe they were exposed to DES in utero. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

Participation in the National Breast Screening Programme is also recommended. Pregnant women who know that they were exposed in utero to DES should inform their obstetrician and be aware of the increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour.

The Department does not have any plans to establish a public inquiry into the historic prescribing of DES.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to establish an independent inquiry into the historic prescribing of Diethylstilbestrol.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The issue of diethylstilbesterol (DES) and vaginal carcinoma in the daughters of women who took DES during pregnancy was reviewed by the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) in the early 1970s. In 1973, the CSM wrote to all doctors to inform them of the results of a study into the topic from the United States, and the absence of identified cases in the United Kingdom.

The work of the committee predates the existence of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), when medicines vigilance was only in its infancy and there were no electronic records and no systematic monitoring of prescriptions.

There has been a step change in reporting and record keeping since this time, and today's regulatory frameworks are significantly different, with much stricter post-authorisation monitoring allowing for earlier identification and action on emerging safety issues. The MHRA regulates medicines supplied in the UK. Its activity spans the whole of a medicine’s lifecycle. The MHRA keeps the safety of all medicines under continual review.

Government advice currently is that routine cervical screening is appropriate for those who believe they were exposed to DES in utero. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

Participation in the National Breast Screening Programme is also recommended. Pregnant women who know that they were exposed in utero to DES should inform their obstetrician and be aware of the increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour.

The Department does not have any plans to establish a public inquiry into the historic prescribing of DES.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of complex broadband and mobile contract negotiations on (a) older customers and (b) people with vulnerabilities.

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

The department has not recently made any such assessment, however, we remain committed to supporting vulnerable and older consumers. We regularly engage consumer groups, such as Citizens Advice, who have conducted relevant research.

Ofcom has introduced several measures to help customers switch provider, including requiring phone and broadband providers to warn customers when their contract is ending, and what they could save by signing up to a new deal. Ofcom accredits price comparison websites that they have assessed to work well, and provide accessible, accurate, transparent, comprehensive, and up-to-date information. Ofcom also tracks provider performance through monitoring complaints.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that broadband and mobile providers do not disadvantage existing customers compared with new customers when setting contract prices.

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

Government works closely with Ofcom to ensure fairness in telecoms pricing. A range of measures have been implemented, for example, since 2020 Ofcom has required providers to issue end-of–contract notifications. These alert customers when their contract/discounts are ending, encouraging to secure better deals.

Since January 2025, inflation-linked in contract prices rises were banned and providers must now state any increases upfront in pounds and pence. Contract summaries must also highlight key terms before a customer signs up. Together, these measures improve transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices about the services they buy.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment Ofcom has made of the (a) fairness and (b) transparency of in-term price increases in mobile phone and broadband contracts.

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

In 2023, Ofcom reviewed inflation-linked price rises. Ofcom found that while many broadband and mobile customers were on contracts subject to inflation-linked price rises, awareness and understanding of these terms were very low. Therefore, in December 2023 Ofcom consulted on banning this practice.

As a result, since 17 January 2025 where providers apply in-contract price rises, these need to be set out in pounds and pence, at the point of sale. Providers must also set out when any changes to the monthly price will occur.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to implement its policy on the reinstatement of UK-issued pet passports for travel between Great Britain and the EU; and what her planned timetable is for allowing pet owners to (a) apply for and (b) use these passports.

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

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, which will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper.

Instead of getting an animal health certificate each time they travel, pet owners will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU.

We are expecting to start negotiations in the autumn, once the EU has confirmed their mandate.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of driver (a) training and (b) testing requirements for overtaking large vehicles; and if she will take steps to improve learner driver education to help prevent unsafe overtaking.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) encourages candidates preparing for their theory and practical test to understand and revise the source materials for the test, which includes The Highway Code and The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills. DVSA also recommends that learner drivers practice overtaking other vehicles where road and traffic conditions provide the opportunity to do so safely when learning to drive.

Rules 162 to 169 of the Highway code cover overtaking in detail, with rule 164 specifically covering overtaking large vehicles.

The Theory test (including both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts of the theory test) and the practical driving test are designed to complement each other, ensuring new drivers have both the theoretical understanding and the practical skills needed to drive safely and responsibly.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the insurance industry on ensuring that domestic air-to-water heat pumps installed under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other government-supported programmes are covered under standard home insurance policies; and what steps he is taking to protect homeowners from being left without cover for these systems.

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

Heat pumps installed under UK government schemes must be fitted by installers certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the leading standards organisation for microgeneration technologies. MCS is undergoing major reforms, due to be introduced later this year, including a proposed requirement for a 6-year guarantee on new heat pump installations.

Government regularly engages with the heat pump industry and the Association of British Insurers to ensure no specific exclusions or impacts arise from installations. As with any retrofit work, property owners are advised to consult their home insurance provider to understand their policy and whether additional cover is needed for heating systems.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to facilitate downsizing for social housing tenants under-occupying homes.

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

The government encourages the efficient use of existing housing stock.

When it comes to social housing, local authorities and housing associations are encouraged to support under-occupiers to transfer to smaller properties, including through mutual exchanges.

In the five-step plan for delivering a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing published on 2 July (which can be found on gov.uk here), the government set out its intention to review how effectively social housing providers use their properties, and explore ways to encourage movement within the sector through mutual exchanges (particularly where homes are overcrowded and under-occupied).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s September 2025 report entitled Brownfield Potential: Unlocking 1.5 Million Homes; and what steps his Department is taking to support local authorities to bring such sites forward for development.

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

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that substantial weight should be given to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements, including the development of under-utilised land and buildings to meet the need for homes and other uses.

Through the revisions made to the NPPF on 12 December 2024 we broadened the definition of brownfield land, set a strengthened expectation that applications on brownfield land will be approved, and made clear that plans should promote an uplift in density in urban areas.

On 22 September 2024, the government published a ‘brownfield passport’ working paper inviting views on how we might further prioritise and fast-track building on previously used urban land. This included exploring the role of national policy in setting minimum density expectations for certain types of locations, to support intensification in the right places. Utilising the feedback provided, we intend to consult this year on a new suite of national policies for decision making that will give effect to these proposals.

On 18 June 2025, my Department announced £5 billion of new capital grant funding for infrastructure and land. This funding will be administered by the new National Housing Delivery Fund, through which councils will be able to secure funding for prospective projects, to contribute to the Government’s priority of delivering 1.5 million homes.

We will consider the points made by the Campaign to Protect Rural England in their September 2025 report as we continue to develop our policy in this area.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) highly skilled and (b) experienced jobseekers are able to access suitable employment opportunities; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of perceptions of being overqualified on those jobseekers.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The government is committed to supporting customers into secure employment, including highly skilled and experienced jobseekers.

DWP currently offers tailored, flexible advice and employment support through its network of Jobcentres across the UK. Work Coaches offer all customers a comprehensive menu of help, including referral into skills provision and job search support.

In addition, the National Careers Service provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the Labour Market in England. Further information about the National Careers Service can be found online by visiting https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk.

As part of our plans to Get Britain Working, we are reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new, more personalised, Jobs and Careers Service. This will enable everyone, including experienced and skilled jobseekers, to access support to find good, meaningful work. It will support people to progress in work, including through an enhanced focus on skills and careers.

We are also transforming DWP’s employer commitment and working with a broader range of employers, including those requiring skilled and specialist talent, to offer customers jobs that match their skillset and qualifications.

Literacy and the criminal justice system

Support for the Shakespeare Curriculum Project

Conflict in Sudan

Fireworks anti-social behaviour and regulation

Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Future of the BBC

Kashmir Black Day and self-determination