Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what logistical or operational support RAF aircraft (a) are providing to Israel and (b) has provided over the last year.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The RAF is not providing logistical or operational support to Israel.

Over the last year, the RAF has not provided logistical support to Israel, however, following the terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals, who were kidnapped. In support of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) conducted surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including operating in air space over Israel and Gaza from December 2023.

Following the agreement of the Gaza peace plan between Israel and Hamas, and the release of all remaining live hostages, the MOD ceased surveillance flights over Gaza. The last flight took place on 10 October 2025.

You will understand that we will not comment further on detail relating to intelligence matters to protect operational security and preserve the MOD’s ability to respond to any future hostage incidents around the world.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain to ten years on the finances of families with children; and what steps she is taking to ensure that this change does not affect (a) integration and (b) long-term stability for families with children.

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

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review.

Relevant impact assessments will be carried out in relation to the earned settlement proposals, which were set out in the Immigration White Paper.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the additional (a) visa fees and (b) immigration health surcharge costs that (i) applicants and (ii) their families will be required to pay following the extension of the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to ten years.

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

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review.

Relevant impact assessments will be carried out in relation to the earned settlement proposals, which were set out in the Immigration White Paper.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports regarding extrajudicial killings in the Punjab region.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are aware of the human rights concerns raised about the activities of the Crime Control Department in Punjab, and we are monitoring the situation closely. Promoting human rights and the rule of law is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement in Pakistan, and we consistently urge the Pakistani authorities to investigate and address any breaches of those standards. Through UK Official Development Assistance (ODA), we are also supporting progress on human rights in Pakistan through dialogue, technical assistance, and targeted programming.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) Dr Abu Safiya and (b) other Gazan healthcare workers who remain imprisoned in Israel are (i) released and (ii) allowed to return to providing healthcare in Gaza.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 6 August to question 68153.

Future of the BBC

Local government and social care

RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Units

Conduct of the hon. Member for Runcorn and Helsby

Found: the Chair2 Maureen Burke Harriet Cross Lillian Jones Mr Angus MacDonald Douglas McAllister Susan Murray

Found: Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Dave Doogan; Lillian Jones; Mr Angus MacDonald; Douglas McAllister; Susan Murray

Found: meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan; Douglas McAllister; Susan Murray

Found: Democrat; Inverness, Skye and West Ross- shire) Douglas McAllister (Labour; West Dunbartonshire) Susan Murray

Found: Scottish Affairs Committee member also present: Susan Murray.

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

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

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

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

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

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