Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to ensure that the cause of death of those who have died while under the care of an NHS gender clinic is accurately recorded and reported.

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

All deaths in England and Wales must be reviewed by a medical examiner. Medical examiners are senior doctors who have not been involved in caring for the deceased, and provide independent scrutiny comprising three elements:

• a proportionate review of medical records;
• a review of the causes of death proposed by the attending practitioner and consideration of whether the coroner needs to be notified; and
• an opportunity for bereaved people to ask whether they have questions about the cause of death or concerns about the care of the deceased person before death.

The medical examiner completes a declaration on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death that the causes of death are true to the best of their knowledge and belief.

The Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 set out the types of deaths that medical practitioners must notify to senior coroners, for example, if the death is unnatural, if the cause of death is unknown, or if it is due to the use of a medicinal product. Where a death has been notified to the coroner, the coroner will decide whether they have a duty to investigate the death. If they do investigate, the coroner will focus on establishing who has died, where and when they died and how they died.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what milestones have been completed against the National Cancer Plan commitment to report potential genomic targets for experimental cancer therapies as part of routine genomic testing upfront in the patient pathway; what milestones remain outstanding; and what timelines have been established for implementation across NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 July in response to Question HL1354, which sets out the steps the Government is taking to implement the Rare Cancers Act.

The Department is rolling out each element of the National Cancer Plan in line with the timetable we set out in February, and we will report back to Parliament in the normal way in due course on the progress made in implementing the action plan, and the resulting outcomes achieved.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in how many NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs potential genomic targets for experimental cancer therapies are reported as part of routine genomic testing; what proportion of eligible cancer patients received such reporting in the most recent reporting period; and what target level of coverage NHS England has established for this service.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 July in response to Question HL1354, which sets out the steps the Government is taking to implement the Rare Cancers Act.

The Department is rolling out each element of the National Cancer Plan in line with the timetable we set out in February, and we will report back to Parliament in the normal way in due course on the progress made in implementing the action plan, and the resulting outcomes achieved.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what arrangements have been put in place under section 2 of the Rare Cancers Act 2026 to enable potential participants in rare cancer clinical trials to be identified and contacted.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 July in response to Question HL1354, which sets out the steps the Government is taking to implement the Rare Cancers Act.

The Department is rolling out each element of the National Cancer Plan in line with the timetable we set out in February, and we will report back to Parliament in the normal way in due course on the progress made in implementing the action plan, and the resulting outcomes achieved.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps NHS England has taken to implement section 3 of the Rare Cancers Act 2026; and when those arrangements are expected to be operational.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 July in response to Question HL1354, which sets out the steps the Government is taking to implement the Rare Cancers Act.

The Department is rolling out each element of the National Cancer Plan in line with the timetable we set out in February, and we will report back to Parliament in the normal way in due course on the progress made in implementing the action plan, and the resulting outcomes achieved.

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 illegal working and bogus self-employment on businesses that directly employ workers in last-mile delivery.

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

Clamping down on illegal working is a critical part of this Government's work to restore order and control within the immigration and asylum system. As well, bogus self-employment is unacceptable in any sector. Businesses who follow the rules should never be undercut by those who deny people their employment rights and avoid their legal obligations by claiming someone is self-employed when in reality they are not. The government has published a consultation on targeted reforms to employment status to tackle issues such as bogus self-employment. The proposals will support some of the most vulnerable workers in Britain, including those in sectors like parcel delivery, takeaway delivery, hairdressing, social care and construction.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what is the timetable for the consultation on bogus self-employment, and whether the Fair Work Agency will have a role in enforcing its outcome.

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

The Government published its consultation on employment status reform and protections for the self-employed on 14 October 2026. The consultation seeks views on proposals to tackle bogus self-employment, improve compliance with the employment status framework and strengthen protections for the self-employed. This includes the potential role of the Fair Work Agency in tackling bogus self-employment, specifically how the Agency could support greater understanding of employment status and compliance with the law, and how its civil proceedings powers could be used to help determine employment status. It will close on 8 January 2027.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of changes to statutory adoption trajectories for zero-emission vehicles and heat pumps on a) future electricity system costs, and b) average household energy bills.

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

The government is committed to delivering the transition to zero emission vehicles and low carbon heating in a way that supports an efficient electricity system and is affordable for consumers and businesses. As part of wider analysis of the future electricity system and consumer bills, the Department assesses the implications of electrification, including any changes in projected demand from electric vehicles and heat pumps. This analysis considers infrastructure requirements, the potential for flexible technologies and interactions across the wider energy system, and informs both policy development and electricity system planning. The government will keep this under review as policies develop.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department plans to take with UK Research and Innovation to maintain the UK's international research reputation, in the context of cuts to Science and Technology Facilities Council funding.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government remains committed to maintaining the UK's international research reputation through record investment in science and innovation, including a £38.6 billion settlement for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) core budget is being maintained over the Spending Review period. STFC prioritisation exercise was designed to protect long-term scientific capability, maintain world-class facilities and safeguard major international subscriptions. The UK remains committed to international scientific collaboration, including as a founding member and the second-largest contributor to CERN, and through our £327 million investment in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), helping to maintain the UK's position at the forefront of global science.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her department has made of the potential merits of classifying large pig and poultry units as industrial installations rather than agriculture.

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

Large pig and poultry farms above certain thresholds require an environmental permit under legislation derived from the Industrial Emissions Directive. Regulators set and enforce conditions to limit emissions from these sites to protect the environment and human health in the same way as industrial installations. These farms remain part of the agricultural sector.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a poultry growth plan on UK food security.

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

The purpose of the Poultry Sector Growth Plan is to strengthen food security, through increased productivity, profitability and resilience while operating within, and supporting, the UK's environmental, planning, animal welfare commitments within the current regulatory framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the review of the law relating to marketing authorisations for orphan medicines for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of cancer will begin; and when she expects to publish its conclusions.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer he received on 28 September in response to Question 18871.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to tackle misogyny through improved relationship and sex education in schools.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Education is a devolved matter and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department recognises that more needs to be done to support effective delivery of relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) in schools. That is why updated RSHE statutory guidance has strengthened content on building healthy relationships and emphasis on addressing misogynistic attitudes and online harms.

Alongside this, the department is investing £16 million to pilot targeted interventions in schools from the next academic year, supporting the rollout of the updated RSHE curriculum and the strengthening of teaching on healthy relationships and harmful behaviours to ensure teachers and schools feel fully supported.

To support schools and colleges to ensure that children are taught to challenge harmful ideas, unhealthy attitudes towards relationships and misogyny, the department is developing a whole-school approach that will provide a framework for schools and colleges to support the prevention of misogyny by promoting respect, belonging and positive participation among children and young people.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what support his Department is providing to battery manufacturers to ensure their readiness for the rules of origin requirements of the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

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 UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s Rules of Origin for electric vehicles will become stricter from 2027; batteries and key battery components, including cathode active materials, must be manufactured in the UK and EU to avoid 10% tariffs. BIST officials are engaging closely with battery manufacturers and the wider supply chain to understand readiness for these changes, including planned investment and onshoring timelines. We remain focused on supporting the growth and competitiveness of the UK battery sector and continue to work with industry and EU counterparts to explore solutions that support compliance and strengthen UK battery manufacturing capability.

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 merits of further delaying of the introduction of rules of origin requirements under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

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)

New rules of origin requirements for electric vehicles under the TCA are scheduled to come into force on 1st January 2027. We continue to engage closely with the automotive and battery industries to understand challenges with readiness relating to these rule changes. We recognise the need to help protect access to one of the UK's largest automotive export markets whilst also safeguarding the investment efforts of industry. We continue to work with industry and the European Commission on the issue with a view to finding a mutually satisfactory solution.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to communicate the seriousness of climate change to the public and businesses.

Answered by Katie White - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

On 13 July 2026, the Government delivered its second annual statement to Parliament on the state of climate and nature, which highlighted the latest evidence on climate change and nature loss.

As set out in our ‘Energising Britain’ plan, we are working with communities, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure people have access to the information they need to understand the scale of the challenge, the pace of change required, and the benefits of climate and nature action. This included five regional events this summer celebrating and highlighting community-led climate and nature action.

Government also has a role in providing trusted, impartial advice. A Clean Energy Mission website on GOV.UK provides households with clear, accessible and impartial information about the everyday actions people can take to cut bills, reduce emissions, and protect the environment. UK Business Climate Hub does similarly for businesses.

After this Summer’s unprecedented heatwaves, public concern has understandably risen. The Prime Minister will be hosting a Wildfire Summit and we are working with our Climate and Nature Security Taskforce on our resilience to a changing climate.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to increase the uptake of free eye tests.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Free National Health Service sight tests are available to eligible groups in England. The NHS website provides information on eligibility and the importance of regular sight tests. Integrated care boards commission these services and would be responsible for considering how to address any inequalities in access.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if he will set out his Department's grant schemes, funds and support programmes available for social enterprises, community interest companies and SMEs working in (a) engineering skills development, (b) vocational and technical education, (c) advanced manufacturing and (d) workshop and productive capital equipment investment.

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 Department supports social enterprises, community interest companies, and SMEs through a range of programmes, including skills and training initiatives, the Business Growth Service, and innovation funding delivered by Innovate UK. More information on support available is laid out in the Small Business Plan launched in July 2025.

Eligible organisations may also access support for advanced manufacturing, engineering skills development and investment in plant, machinery and productive equipment, subject to the criteria of individual schemes.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department plans to take with universities and laboratories to help ensure that staff and expertise are kept in the UK, in the context of Science and Technology Facilities Council cuts to Large Hadron Collider beauty Experiment.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises the importance of maintaining UK scientific expertise and supporting future generations of researchers. As part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council prioritisation process, Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics grant postdoctoral funding has been maintained at 2025/26 levels, alongside PhD studentships and fellowships, supporting the UK’s skills base and long-term scientific capability. UK Research and Innovation continues to engage with universities, laboratories and research partners as prioritisation decisions are implemented. The current LHCb experiment at CERN continues to receive UK funding, alongside grants for UK researchers.

Love From Jamie launches Jamie's Journey 2026

Celebrating Scotland’s links with Malawi

Pope Leo XIV

Support for local pubs and social clubs

ClubSport Stirling

Cable Street 90th anniversary

Defibrillators in police vehicles

Work of Sands and Baby Loss Awareness Week

Glasgow Wood 20th anniversary

30 years of Maggie’s in Glasgow