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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to seek an exemption in any veterinary agreement negotiated with the EU that would ensure the UK's ability to ban the import and sale of fur products.

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

We have reset our relations with European partners. We have been clear that an SPS agreement could boost trade and deliver significant benefits on both sides, and will be careful to ensure proposals are consistent with our manifesto and does not cross our red lines. It’s too early to discuss specific areas in detail and we will not be providing a running commentary on discussions with the EU.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to update the existing regulations on (a) composition, (b) marketing and (c) labelling of commercial infant and toddler foods.

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

Children’s early years provide an important foundation for their future health and strongly influences many aspects of well-being in later life.

It is vital that we maintain the highest standards for foods consumed by babies and infants, which is why we have regulations in place that set nutritional and compositional standards for commercial baby food. The regulations also set labelling standards to ensure consumers have clear and accurate information about the products they buy. We continue to keep these regulations under review, to ensure they reflect the latest scientific and dietary guidelines.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to update the statutory guidance on the Autism Act.

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

The House of Lords has established an Autism Act 2009 Committee, which is holding an inquiry to look at the Autism Act, the autism strategy, and the autism statutory guidance, and which will make recommendations to the Government by 30 November 2025. This will inform the Government’s future approach.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to help long-term unemployed back into work.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Get Britain Working White Paper set out the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation to support our ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate.

The Department for Work and Pensions will shift from being a department for employment support and welfare to being a department for work. This means a new, locally led system of work and health support being available for those who are unemployed, bringing together existing locally delivered employment support as a single coherent offer that is part of areas’ local growth plans.

In the Autumn 2024 Budget, £240 million funding for the White Paper measures was announced. This funding is helping us deliver and build on labour market reforms to Get Britain Working. The funding included:

• £55m funding for both the digital development of the new public employment and careers service and the tests and trials for its development.

• £170m for 16 trailblazers, 8 testing delivery of the Youth Guarantee in areas across England and 8 to tackle economic inactivity through increased engagement and tailored approaches in England and Wales.

• An additional £15m to support trailblazers and development of local GBW plans.

These measures complement contracted employment support for the long-term unemployed.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to create a women's centre in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council area.

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

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.

Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent progress her Department has made on implementing the recommendations of the report by Baroness Jean Corston entitled Vulnerable women in prison, published on 13 March 2007; and whether she is taking steps to increase the number of women's centres.

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

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.

Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of women in prison.

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

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.

Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of children in poverty.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Statistics on the number of children living in absolute and relative poverty in the UK are published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication, the latest available being  Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2024 - GOV.UK. The table showing the percentage of children in relative poverty over time is published as “table 4.1tr” of “children-trends-hbai-1994-95-2023-24-tables”.

Statistics on the number of children living in absolute and relative poverty on a before housing costs basis at local level are published annually in the “Children in low income families: local area statistics” publication, the latest available being Children in low income families: local area statistics 2014 to 2024 - GOV.UK.

The latest statistics published on 27 March 2025 are up to and including 2023/24. The latest available data can also be found on Stat-Xplore: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/. Guidance on how to use it can be found here: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/User-Guide.html.

In 2023/24 there were 900,000 more children in relative poverty after housing costs in the UK than in 2010/11. Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this Government. The Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy looking at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, including considering social security reforms, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across government and work underway in Devolved Government.

The Taskforce is listening to experts and campaigners and ensuring the voices of families and children with experience of poverty are brought into policy thinking and decision making as part of the development of the Child Poverty Strategy. This includes three key stands of work – a Parents and Carers Forum, engagement with the Changing Realities Project and research with children and young people.

The vital work of the Taskforce comes alongside our commitments to triple investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million, introduce a Fair Repayment Rate for deductions from Universal Credit, improve the adequacy of the standard allowance with the first sustained above inflation rise in the basic rate of Universal Credit since it was introduced and increase the National Living Wage to £12.21 an hour to boost the pay of three million workers.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will ensure that autism is included in the Youth Employment Strategy.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

As a Government, we want to support all forms of neurodiversity in the workplace, and we are looking to build on the findings of the Buckland Review of Autism Employment by gathering expert evidence in line with this expanded focus.

As part of plan to Get Britain Working, we will launch a Youth Guarantee for all young people aged 18-21 in England to ensure that they can access training opportunities, an apprenticeship or help to find work.

Our Youth Guarantee will meet the needs of those facing disadvantages relating to mental or physical health. Collaborating closely with stakeholders from a range of sectors will be integral to improving opportunities for young people. And that is why we have launched eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers to test and learn before further roll out of the Youth Guarantee. These Trailblazers are testing joining-up locally and nationally delivered work, health and skills approach.

Autism creates employment barriers that can affect young people's daily lives and mental health. As outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we have ambitious plans to better support our young people to lead fulfilling lives and careers.

Jobcentre Plus already offers extensive assistance to young disabled people and those with health conditions, focusing on individual needs and collaborating with local partners for appropriate support. In addition, work coaches in Youth Hubs and Youth Employability Coaches, provide targeted interventions to build skills, confidence, and employment opportunities.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on protected funding for the child poverty strategy.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We are working across government to develop the Child Poverty Strategy and are committed to exploring all available levers to reduce child poverty. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is a part of the Child Poverty Taskforce and the Secretary of State has regular discussions on child poverty with HM Treasury Ministers. Officials in the Child Poverty Unit are also working closely with policy and analytical experts across departments, such as HM Treasury.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to remove the two-child benefit limit.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

This government has been clear that all our policies are costed and fully funded, and we will only make commitments we know we can keep.

Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this government, and the Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change.

Arms exports to Israel

Dementia Action Week 2025

Denis Law Legacy Trail

World Bee Day (No. 2)

Use of swift bricks

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

60th anniversary of Bexley Voluntary Service Council

Blockade of aid to Gaza

Import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Transparency of data-based and data-driven policing systems

Sewage discharge

Rail ticket prices

Support for the trans community

Negotiating rights for police officers

Reductions to CrossCountry trains catering services

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for Police Community Support Officers

Future of the UK baking industry

Restructure of local government debt

International Nurses Day 2025

National Operating Department Practitioner Day

Legal protection of the nurse job title

Climate and Nature Bill

Better Jobs, Better Services campaign

Found: Written evidence submitted by Neil Duncan-Jordan MP (EVO 08) 1.

Found: Written evidence submitted by Neil Duncan-Jordan MP (CLI 03) 1.

Found: connecting communities • National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers [BCC0123] • Neil Duncan-Jordan

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Animal Welfare Committee will publish its review on the responsible sourcing of fur.

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

I refer Seamus Logan to the reply given to Neil Duncan-Jordan on 21 February 2025, PQ 32807.

Found: The new clause was defeated on division (257 votes to 95).94 • Eligibility verification: Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _4 Tom Gordon Vikki Slade Neil Duncan-Jordan Liz Jarvis Siân Berry Carla Denyer .

Found: Edward Morello Rachel Gilmour Steve Witherden Sarah Russell Claire Hanna Euan Stainbank Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _NC12 Chris Hinchliff John McDonnell Kim Johnson Steve Witherden Neil Duncan-Jordan Ellie Chowns

Found: _4 Tom Gordon Vikki Slade Neil Duncan-Jordan Liz Jarvis Siân Berry Carla Denyer .

Found: Helen Hayes Richard Baker Chris Kane Antonia Bance Alison Taylor Ruth Jones Ann Davies Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: 14 May 2025 18 Not called_17 Chris Hinchliff John McDonnell Kim Johnson Steve Witherden Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _16 Chris Hinchliff John McDonnell Kim Johnson Steve Witherden Neil Duncan-Jordan .

Found: _4 Tom Gordon Vikki Slade Neil Duncan-Jordan Liz Jarvis Siân Berry Carla Denyer .

Found: Richard Baker Chris Kane Antonia Bance Alison Taylor Ruth Jones Ann Davies Sammy Wilson Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Roberts Siân Berry Carla Denyer Bell Ribeiro-Addy Dr Simon Opher Zarah Sultana Ellie Chowns Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _16 Chris Hinchliff John McDonnell Kim Johnson Steve Witherden Neil Duncan-Jordan .

Found: _4 Tom Gordon Vikki Slade Neil Duncan-Jordan Liz Jarvis .

Found: Maskell Kim Johnson Ellie Chowns Carla Denyer Richard Burgon Ben Lake Liz Saville Roberts Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Maskell Kim Johnson Ellie Chowns Carla Denyer Richard Burgon Ben Lake Liz Saville Roberts Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Roberts Siân Berry Carla Denyer Bell Ribeiro-Addy Dr Simon Opher Zarah Sultana Ellie Chowns Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _94 Chris Hinchliff Kim Johnson Manuela Perteghella John McDonnell Steve Witherden Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _4 Tom Gordon Vikki Slade Neil Duncan-Jordan .

Found: Sultana Olivia Blake Ian Byrne Rachael Maskell Kim Johnson Ellie Chowns Carla Denyer Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Liz Saville Roberts Siân Berry Carla Denyer Bell Ribeiro-Addy Dr Simon Opher Ellie Chowns Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _16 Chris Hinchliff John McDonnell Kim Johnson Steve Witherden Neil Duncan-Jordan 11 COMMITTEE

Found: The new clause was defeated on division (257 votes to 95).94 • Eligibility verification: Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: _4 Tom Gordon Vikki Slade Neil Duncan-Jordan .

Found: Richard Baker Chris Kane Antonia Bance Alison Taylor Ruth Jones Ann Davies Sammy Wilson Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Richard Baker Chris Kane Antonia Bance Alison Taylor Ruth Jones Ann Davies Sammy Wilson Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Ellie Chowns Adrian Ramsay John McDonnell Dr Simon Opher Rachael Maskell Cat Eccles Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Richard Baker Chris Kane Antonia Bance Alison Taylor Ruth Jones Ann Davies Sammy Wilson Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Diane Abbott John McDonnell Apsana Begum Ayoub Khan Zarah Sultana Ian Byrne Shockat Adam Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Diane Abbott John McDonnell Apsana Begum Ayoub Khan Zarah Sultana Ian Byrne Shockat Adam Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Diane Abbott John McDonnell Apsana Begum Ayoub Khan Zarah Sultana Ian Byrne Shockat Adam Neil Duncan-Jordan

Found: Ellie Chowns Adrian Ramsay John McDonnell Dr Simon Opher Rachael Maskell Cat Eccles Neil Duncan-Jordan