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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent legislative steps she has taken to protect marine life.

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

The Government is committed to protecting and improving the marine environment at home and internationally to meet the global commitment to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.

The Government introduced legislation on 10 September 2025 to enable the UK to implement its obligations under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and move towards ratification. The Act received Royal Assent on 12 February. Further secondary legislation will be required before the BBNJ Agreement can be ratified by the UK. This will happen when the parliamentary timetable allows. Under the BBNJ Agreement, the Conference of the Parties can establish area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas, in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Once we have ratified the Agreement, as a Party the UK will be able to participate fully in decisions on the establishment of such tools.

We continue to take legislative and non-legislative steps to protect our domestic marine environments.

The Marine Recovery Fund was established on 17 December 2025 with secondary legislation laid on the same date. The MRF’s aim is to help accelerate decision-making within the planning and consenting process for offshore wind, while delivering effective compensation to protect the marine environment. Government has also laid secondary legislation on 26 February to create a more flexible approach to environmental compensation for offshore wind, whilst also unlocking opportunities for nature recovery at scale.

In June 2025, the Marine Management Organisation launched a consultation proposing plans to limit bottom trawling in a further 41 MPAs, covering 30,000 sq km of England’s waters. Defra also launched a consultation on proposed changes to the marine licensing process. Defra and the Marine Management Organisation are carefully considering all responses received before making any decisions on future legislation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her department last assessed the financial penalty for driving without insurance; and what assessment was made of the costs of purchasing insurance relative to the costs of paying a fine.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government recognises that motor insurance premiums have increased, while the fines for driving uninsured have remained the same.

We want to ensure that there are the right incentives in place, and that is why, as part of our new Road Safety Strategy we are consulting on changes to the motoring offences including consideration of whether the minimum penalties for the offence of driving uninsured should be increased.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information he holds on the potential consequences of reforming the electricity market to decouple the price of electricity from the price of gas through changes to the current marginal pricing system.

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

The Government has assessed the possible impacts of electricity market reform via the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements. Last year, it was confirmed that Great Britain will continue with a single, national wholesale electricity market using marginal pricing. Rather than fundamentally separating electricity prices from gas, the Reformed National Pricing Delivery Plan prioritises targeted reforms to reduce consumer costs while maintaining a secure, affordable and efficient electricity system. Key measures include better siting and investment signals, reduced network constraint costs, and more effective balancing. The Delivery Plan includes an assessment framework and will be underpinned by analysis and evidence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he is taking steps to increase helium reserves for (a) scientific research, (b) national security, (c) critical infrastructure and (d) other priority uses.

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

Helium is vital for the UK’s economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. DBT is working across Government mapping supply chains and assessing risks, mitigations, and potential interventions, conducting detailed analysis including on emerging risks.

Through the 2025 UK Critical Minerals Strategy we will build strong partnerships with key markets to diversify production and processing and strengthen our supply chains, alongside working with key existing producers.

At present, in response to the Middle East situation, the Government’s approach is to work collaboratively with industry, the healthcare sector and international partners to improve supply resilience, encourage efficient use, and support the development of alternative technologies and recovery systems, rather than to introduce blanket restrictions.

We encourage any business experiencing disruption to visit business.gov.uk to access support and guidance.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing temporary restrictions on the (a) public sale and (b) commercial use of helium.

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

Helium is vital for the UK’s economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. DBT is working across Government mapping supply chains and assessing risks, mitigations, and potential interventions, conducting detailed analysis including on emerging risks.

Through the 2025 UK Critical Minerals Strategy we will build strong partnerships with key markets to diversify production and processing and strengthen our supply chains, alongside working with key existing producers.

At present, in response to the Middle East situation, the Government’s approach is to work collaboratively with industry, the healthcare sector and international partners to improve supply resilience, encourage efficient use, and support the development of alternative technologies and recovery systems, rather than to introduce blanket restrictions.

We encourage any business experiencing disruption to visit business.gov.uk to access support and guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will respond to Question 109579 tabled on 29 January 2026.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will respond to Question 109580 tabled on 29 January 2026.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of moving all of the UK-wide Protection Command responsibilities of the Metropolitan Police into the new National Police Service.

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

The White Paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” sets out the Government’s proposals on the National Police Service. Further details will be set out in legislation when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the potential merits of incorporating the Civil Nuclear Constabulary into the National Police Service.

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

The White Paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” sets out the Government’s proposals on the National Police Service. Further details will be set out in legislation when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to increase the domestic production of silicon computer chips; and if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for national security of current levels of domestic computer chip production.

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

The Government recognises that computer chips are vital to our economy, critical sectors, and national security. However, the complexity and variety of semiconductors make it impossible for any one country to achieve supply chain autonomy.

Through the Industrial Strategy, we are taking targeted action to support the UK semiconductor sector where we have internationally recognised strengths to promote growth, enhance national security, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Given the global nature of supply chains, the UK works closely with international partners, both bilaterally and through multilateral fora, to ensure the UK has access to the critical chips it requires.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to encourage the use of UK‑produced steel (a) across central government, (b) within the wider public sector, (c) by private sector companies in receipt of government procurement contracts and (d) across the rest of the private sector.

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

The government’s Steel Strategy sets out our ambition to see much more UK-made steel used across public and private projects, whilst respecting our legal obligations.

For central government procurement, it is now a requirement that UK made steel is considered, as procurers must consult a digital catalogue of UK made steel products before making decisions. We also publish a steel pipeline annually, which provides a signal to the market by highlighting future opportunities in central government projects.

For offshore wind projects, we have reformed the Clean Industry Bonus to create new incentives for manufacturers to invest in UK steel in domestic wind turbines and wind farms.

We continue to work with other government departments to identify more opportunities for the use of UK made steel.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many days of maintenance on Royal Navy vessels were lost due to nearby nesting birds in the last 12 months.

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

No days of maintenance on Royal Navy vessels were lost due to nearby nesting birds in the last 12 months.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the list of Ministry of Defence acronyms and abbreviations was last reviewed, and when the next update is expected to be published.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) terminology database, known as 'Reference Data Manager' (RDM) is maintained by a dedicated team which continuously reviews and updates entries based on both direct and indirect engagement across MOD.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether members of the Armed Forces who a) are absent without leave and b) have deserted remain eligible to receive pay, pensionable benefits, allowances, or other benefits during the period of their absence.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Armed Forces Personnel who are Absent Without Leave or who have Deserted are not eligible to receive pay, pensionable benefits, allowances, or other financial benefits during the period of their absence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the turnover rate for each of the last 5 years in a) the whole Royal Navy and b) the Catering Services branch of the Royal Navy.

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

The Ministry of Defence regularly publishes outflow and voluntary outflow statistics at Service level, with the latest statistics available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2026

However, granular data, including on the turnover rate for the Royal Navy Catering Services Specialisation, is not available in the format requested.

As part of wider efforts to support retention and workforce sustainability, the Royal Navy has implemented the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body recommendation for targeted retention payments for the Royal Navy Catering Services, applications have been accepted since July 2025.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act on UK citizens who received their medical training abroad.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Under the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026, British citizens who have graduated from medical schools outside of the United Kingdom will not be prioritised for foundation training places, and graduates from a medical school in the UK will not be prioritised if they spent the majority of their time studying outside the British Islands.

For specialty training places starting in 2026, we are using immigration statuses as a practical proxy to capture applicants who are most likely to have significant experience working in the health service in the UK. The effect of this is that British citizens will be prioritised.

From 2027, immigration status will no longer automatically determine priority for specialty training. Instead, we will be able to make regulations to specify any additional groups who will be prioritised by reference to criteria indicating significant experience as a doctor in the health service, or by reference to immigration status.

Non-prioritised graduates can still apply for postgraduate medical training and will be offered places if vacancies remain after prioritised applicants have received offers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the a) target timeframe and b) current timeframe for the Armed Forces Pension Scheme to implement divorce pension-sharing orders.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The statutory period to implement a standard Pension Sharing Order (PSO) is four months. However, the McCloud Remedy has made pension sharing in divorce cases more complex, as the correct valuation depends on a member’s final Remedy choice for service between 2015 and 2022.

While guidance exists for standard PSOs, some older, complex cases require careful handling to ensure legal compliance and avoid errors. As a result, these cases take longer to resolve than standard ones. It is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for complex PSOs, as each case is different.

To ensure fairness, all cases are handled in the order they are received, with prioritisation applied only when legally required. Each case is carefully managed and reviewed to prevent errors and ensure decisions withstand external scrutiny.

The Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) continues to provide quarterly updates of progress and volumes of Remedy cases completed to date on gov.uk and in the Quarterly Digest.

The next quarterly update will be published on gov.uk at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#remediable-service-statement-delivery-update

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2026 to Question 122333 on Armed Forces: Workplace Pensions, by which date does he plan to conclude the work with the scheme administrator to finalise the timeline for issuing all RSSs.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to issuing all members with their RSS as quickly as possible and is working with the scheme administrator to finalise the timeline for issuing all RSSs. Once a timeline has been finalised, this will be communicated with members.

The Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) continues to provide quarterly updates of progress and volumes of Remedy cases completed to date on gov.uk and in the Quarterly Digest.

The next quarterly update will be published on gov.uk at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#remediable-service-statement-delivery-update

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the size of the armed forces was on (a) 24 February 2022 and (b) 6 April 2026.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As of 1 October 2025, Armed Forces intake was greater than outflow. This is the first time in four years, and this welcome trend continues in the latest data. As of 1 January 2026, compared to 12 months ago, the overall strength of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force had increased by over 1%, and the Army’s had increased by 0.2%. For all three Services, intake is increasing and outflow is reducing.

Figures relating to Armed Forces strengths are published in the Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics, the most recent edition of which can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2026. The closest published editions to the dates requested are 1 April 2022 and 1 January 2026; the size of the Armed Forces on those dates were, respectively, 196,244 and 182,052.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many instances of delayed hearings and trials were caused by breakdowns in infrastructure including a) power cuts, b) lack of water supply for drinking and flushing toilets, c) broken lifts and d) water ingress from the roof in each of the last 3 years.

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

The questions have been interpreted as asking for data for all Magistrates’ and Crown Courts in the last 3 full calendar years (2023, 2024 and 2025).

The specific information requested is not held. However, data on trials that have been ineffective or vacated due to Accommodation / equipment failure generally, is published quarterly in the Criminal Courts Accredited Official Statistics. The latest available data can be found in the ‘Trial Effectiveness at the Criminal Courts tool’ here: Criminal court statistics quarterly: October to December 2025 - GOV.UK.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to improve NHS capacity in Accident and Emergency departments in (a) Slough and (b) Berkshire.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Decisions on the commissioning and configuration of local National Health Services, including accident and emergency (A&E) departments and urgent treatment centres, are the responsibility of integrated care boards, working with their local NHS trusts. These organisations are best placed to determine how services should operate to meet the needs of their local populations.

Within Slough and Berkshire, a range of steps have been taken over the past year to improve A&E capacity and patient flow. These include expansion of Same Day Emergency Care, improved discharge and community capacity, enhanced access to urgent care alternatives such as urgent treatment centres, and focused work on patient flow and ambulance handovers.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many instances of delayed hearings and trials were caused by technical problems with the a) Crown Court Digital Case System and b) Common Platform in each of the last 3 years.

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

The questions have been interpreted as asking for data for all Magistrates’ and Crown Courts in the last 3 full calendar years (2023, 2024 and 2025).

The specific information requested is not held. However, data on trials that have been ineffective or vacated due to Accommodation / equipment failure generally, is published quarterly in the Criminal Courts Accredited Official Statistics. The latest available data can be found in the ‘Trial Effectiveness at the Criminal Courts tool’ here: Criminal court statistics quarterly: October to December 2025 - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many instances of delayed hearings and trials were caused by the defendant not being produced from prison as required in each of the last three years.

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

The figures below show the total number of reported delays to hearings and trials over the last three years where the defendant was not produced from prison as required on time. The figures reflect overall reported incidents rather than being attributed solely to the PECS supplier.

2023 = 1072

2024 = 1272

2025 = 1297

Evidence from recent performance reporting shows consistent sustained levels of PECS supplier delivery to court, with supplier-attributable delays remaining low relative to overall court production volumes. In 2025, overall criminal justice system delivery to court was timely in 98.19% of cases; PECS suppliers met contractual expectations by delivering prisoners to court on time in 99.91% of cases.

We recognise the problems we inherited in prisoner transfer with delays occurring at prisons, en route between prison and court and at courts themselves in bringing prisoners to the dock. The Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending and I have launched a new oversight body established to review prisoner transfer from end to end. This will monitor and drive performance improvements in prisoner transfer across the country.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many instances of delayed hearings and trials were caused by the court having failed to book an interpreter in each of the last three years.

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

An ineffective trial is defined as a trial that does not proceed on the scheduled trial date and therefore requires a further listing. This may arise due to action or inaction by the prosecution, the defence, the court, or a combination of these factors.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of delayed hearings or trials specifically attributable to the court failing to book an interpreter. While published data includes ineffective trials recorded under the reason “no interpreter available”, this category covers a range of circumstances. These include situations where the supplier was unable to fulfil a booking, or where a booked interpreter cancelled at short notice and there was insufficient time to secure a replacement, as well as the court having failed to book an interpreter. The data cannot be disaggregated further to distinguish between a failure to make a booking and other interpreter related issues that may have caused the delay.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of bottom trawling on (a) the environment and (b) marine life.

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

Bottom trawling can damage the seabed and marine life if used in the wrong place but also provides catch that is important for food production and supports the fishing industry. Defra is taking an evidence‑based approach to managing fishing impacts.

This includes taking steps to ensure that our Marine Protected Areas are properly protected. The Marine Management Organisation last year ran a consultation on proposals to restrict bottom trawling in a further 41 Marine Protected Areas, following an assessment of the impacts. It is now carefully analysing the large number of responses received, and decisions will be made in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the defence posture of the Falkland Islands in the context of statements by (a) the President of Argentina on 2 April 2026 and (b) the US President in March 2026 on military support to allies.

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

The UK is steadfast in its support for the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination. As the Strategic Defence Review set out, a core role for Defence is the protection of the UK’s Overseas Territories, which includes maintaining a defensive military posture in the Falkland Islands. We review that posture regularly to ensure it is appropriately scaled to ensure the security of the Islands.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps they are taking to increase the amount of UK made steel used in procurement contracts overseen by their Department.

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

This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry. The sector provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of defence programmes. The department publishes its future pipeline for steel requirements, enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for upcoming contracts.

The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review, and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure. While steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers, Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurement activity will continue to apply PPN 022, a policy aimed at increasing the use of British-produced steel in public contracts. The MOD also supports the recently published UK Steel Strategy which sets out a long-term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and restore domestic production to sustainable levels.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department has taken to mitigate the the risk of disruption to global oil trade routes in the last three years.

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

As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the UK holds emergency oil stocks of 90 days of net imports. The UK’s participation in the co-ordinated IEA release of 400 million barrels of oil stocks in response to the Middle-east conflict is a sensible and measured step to support global oil market stability.

The Secretary of State is in regular and close contact with key international partners, to ensure a coordinated international response and functioning markets

The Government is driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure all police forces are operating in compliance with the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing for Chief Officers of Police.

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

Firearms licensing is an operational matter for chief officers of police, who are required to have regard to the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing in exercising their licensing responsibilities. The Home Office works closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for firearms licensing to support consistent application of the law and accompanying Statutory Guidance across forces.

In addition, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services are now undertaking a thematic inspection of police forces’ arrangements in respect of firearms licensing, providing independent scrutiny and identifying areas for improvement.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the progress of remediation works on properties approved for the Cladding Safety Scheme in Slough.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Buildings in the CSS in Slough are making progress on their remediation, and in cases outside of the timeframe expected by CSS, action has been taken to bring progress back on track.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 82712 on Firearms Licensing, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of not implementing the recommendation of the Law Commission on codifying existing firearms legislation.

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

The Government has no plans to take forward the recommendation made by the Law Commission in 2015 to codify existing firearms legislation.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to update domestic electrical safety guidance and regulations on plug-in solar.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 and Approved Document P make clear that electrical installations in dwellings should be designed and installed in such a way to protect people from electric shock and fire hazards. The Building Safety Act 2022 requires the Building Safety Regulator to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review. As new evidence emerges, updating of Building Regulations or statutory guidance in Approved Documents can then be considered; this includes the electrical safety requirements in Part P of the Building Regulations. Approved Document P refers to the electrical installation standards in BS7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations as the way of showing compliance with Part P requirements. Building owners remain responsible for managing building safety and performance risks of all kinds in a proportionate, risk-based and evidence backed manner.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential risk of interference by the US in UK elections.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The UK Government takes attempts by any country to intervene in democratic processes very seriously. It is, and always will be, an absolute priority to protect our democratic and electoral processes. The Government has renewed the mandate of the Defending Democracy Taskforce (DDTF), which brings together Government Ministers, representatives from law enforcement and the intelligence community, to coordinate work to protect our democratic institutions and processes from threats, including foreign interference.

In April 2023, DDTF created the Joint Election Security and Preparedness (JESP) Unit, which sits jointly between Cabinet Office and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as a permanent function dedicated to protecting UK elections and referendums and coordinating work across government to respond to issues of protective security, cyber threats and mis and disinformation, including foreign interference.

In December 2025, the Secretary of State commissioned former permanent secretary Philip Rycroft to lead an independent review into foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics. The review was published on 25 March 2026 and can be found here.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with HM Treasury on the potential impact of the introduction of an overnight visitor levy on (a) the levels of domestic tourism and (b) small and medium enterprises in the tourism industry.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I am working closely with HM Treasury and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in relation to the potential impact of the introduction of a visitor levy and was pleased to join the Exchequer Secretary, Daniel Tomlinson, for a roundtable with industry leaders on this in March. My officials are also working closely with colleagues across government on this matter and have engaged with the tourism sector throughout the consultation process, including at a series of sector roundtables.

The power to introduce a visitor levy will be given to local leaders who best understand their region, allowing them to tailor investment towards growing the local economy, bearing in mind its needs, including those of the tourism industry. Mayors will need to decide whether to implement a levy and, if so, they will need to consult on specific proposals. I’m sure Mayors will engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns throughout the consultation period and beyond.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to secure adequate supplies of hydrocarbon based fuels for vehicles, ships and aircraft; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of fuel reserves in the UK.

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

The UK benefits from a diverse and resilient fuel supply chain and remains well supplied across all hydrocarbon fuels for transport, including road, maritime, and aviation sectors. The Government is working closely with industry to monitor supply, demand, and market conditions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many reports of untaxed vehicles being parked on public roads in (a) Langley and (b) Slough were received by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency in each of the last three years; and what proportion of those reports were followed up on.

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

The information requested is not readily available. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency officials will write to the honourable member when the information requested has been extracted and assured.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of roles are primarily land based for a) the whole Royal Navy and b) the Catering Services branch of the Royal Navy.

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

It has not been possible to provide the answer within the timeframe given, I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has assessed the potential merits of introducing lifetime driving bans for individuals who have received multiple disqualifications from driving as a result of dangerous driving convictions.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent courts.

This includes whether to disqualify an offender from driving and, where appropriate, the length of any disqualification.

The courts already have powers to impose lifetime disqualification where that is justified.

Separately, under the “totting up” provisions, where a driver has accumulated 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, the court must ordinarily order disqualification for at least the statutory minimum unless there are grounds to reduce or avoid that disqualification.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has plans to introduce consistent product standards for domestic plug-in solar systems.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Suppliers of all products placed on the UK market, including domestic plug-in solar systems, must ensure they comply with relevant product safety legislative requirements. This includes specific product regulations such as the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the broader General Product Safety Regulations, on which we have recently launched a consultation on proposed reforms. These reforms seek to develop a product safety framework that reflects the modern world, giving consumers confidence in the products they buy and use and giving businesses the certainty they need to grow and innovate.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps they are taking to increase the amount of UK made steel used in procurement contracts overseen by their Department.

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

All steel procurements overseen by the Department are done so in full alignment and following the principles as set out in the Steel PPN 022. In addition to existing best practice policies, from the 1 September 2025 this required the Department to:

• Consult UK Steel’s Digital Catalogue prior to design and procurement decisions being made. Include a contract clause which extends this obligation to Tier 1 contractors and their subcontractors (where relevant).
• Consider if the national security exemption in paragraph 25 of Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023 is relevant to the procurement and apply as appropriate.

These additional policy measures are designed to increase the amount of UK Steel used in procurement contracts.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether excess domestic energy derived from plug in solar will be able to be exported to the grid.

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

We expect most households to be able to consume the majority of electricity generated themselves.

However, any excess electricity generated from plug-in solar panels would be automatically exported to the grid.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and what proportion of jurors completed jury service lasting (a) one week or less from their first day of service, (b) more than one week but not more than two weeks, (c) more than two weeks but not more than three weeks, (d) more than three weeks but not more than four weeks, (e) more than four weeks but not more than five weeks, (f) more than five weeks but not more than six weeks, and (g) more than six weeks in the last two years.

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

When jurors are summoned, they are advised that Jury service usually lasts up to 10 working days, although some trials may extend beyond this period and jurors will be advised of this in advance. Jurors may also sit on more than one case during their service.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many times (a) hearings and (b) trials have delayed as a result of the the Witness Care Unit not informing witnesses of the trial date in each of the last three years.

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

The specific information requested regarding delays to hearings and trials is not held. However, data on trials that have been ineffective or vacated is published in the Criminal Courts Accredited Official Statistics. The latest available data including reasons for trial outcomes can be found in the ‘Trial Effectiveness at the Criminal Courts tool’ here: Criminal court statistics quarterly: October to December 2025 - GOV.UK.

Police Witness Care Units (WCUs) are integral to the criminal justice system which is reflected in their statutory obligations under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (the Victims’ Code). The Victims’ Code is clear that WCUs must inform victims of the time, date and location of any hearing. Right 8.1 sets out that WCUs must do this within 1 working day of them receiving the information from the court.

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 created a framework to monitor criminal justice agencies' compliance with the Victims' Code, including legislative duties for agencies to collect and share information on Code compliance. Alongside this, we are exploring digital and data improvements to strengthen data sharing cross the criminal justice system in order to streamline and improve victim experience.

This Government is committed to ensuring victims and witnesses have the information and support they need to navigate court proceedings. That is why we are consulting on a new Victims’ Code to ensure we get the foundations right for victims.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, over the period since its first commissioning, what proportion of days HMS Prince of Wales has been at sea.

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

We do not comment on the detailed readiness or availability of individual units for operational security reasons.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to reduce diagnosis times for patients with motor neurone disease.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England commissions the specialised elements of motor neurone disease (MND) care that patients may receive from 27 specialised neurology centres across England. Within these specialised centres, neurological multidisciplinary teams ensure that patients can access a range of health professionals and specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.  In August 2025, NHS England updated its service specification for specialised adult neurology services. It outlines a number of minimum service requirements for key specialties, including neuromuscular disorders like MND.

At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with MND, including the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit.  The GIRFT Programme has produced a Further Faster handbook for neurology, which provides resources and best practice guidance to help support clinical teams go faster and further in reducing neurology waiting times, including for patients with MND.

Neurology waiting times are coming down. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the average waiting time for neurology services was reduced from 16.2 to 15.2 weeks. Additionally, 57% of patients referred were seen within 18 weeks, up from 54.2% at the same point last year. We are continuing efforts to improve this, recognising this is a challenged specialty.

Baroness Casey has set out that the Government must take immediate action on MND. Where someone has a severe, reasonably predictable, and life-limiting condition, it is essential that we provide rapid access to the support they need, and we will take forward immediate work to develop a fast-track process, or “passport”, that speeds up assessments and access to care for people diagnosed with MND. We will consider how best to safely implement a process that expedites assessments and gets people with MND the care and support they need more quickly.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Animal research and testing non-technical summaries granted in 2025, October to December, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the number experiments on (a) beagles (b) non-human primates and (c) rabbits on progress towards the Government’s pledge to phase out animal testing.

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

There is no impact from the number of experiments on (a) beagles (b) non-human primates and (c) rabbits on progress towards the Government’s alternatives strategy. This is because licences for the use of animals in scientific procedures may only be granted only where there is robust scientific justification, no validated nonanimal alternative exists, and use is fully compliant with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

This Government remains firmly committed to working towards the phasing out of animals in science. The strategy, ‘Replacing animals in science’, sets specific targets to reduce the use of dogs and non-human primates by 2030, while ensuring the UK continues to support safe and effective scientific and medical research.

The strategy is clear that while the longterm vision is to replace the use of animals in science wherever possible, some animal use remains necessary at present to develop and test new medicines, advance understanding of biology and disease, and to protect human and animal health and the environment. These activities are integral to the UK’s national health preparedness and resilience, including the ability to respond to emerging health threats. Progress towards the phasing out of animal use must therefore be scienceled and supported by reliable alternative methods.

Accordingly, the Home Office licensing regime is compatible with the strategy; it enables only tightly controlled animal use where it is scientifically justified and no suitable alternative exists.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps they are taking to increase the amount of UK made steel used in procurement contracts overseen by their Department.

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

The Government wants to ensure that public procurement plays its full role in delivering the Industrial Strategy and fostering a resilient economy that supports British businesses and creates good jobs in communities across the country. UK-produced steel has a significant role to play in construction and infrastructure projects.

In June 2025 it published Procurement Policy Note 022 “Procuring Steel in Government Contracts”, which among other things requires departments and prime contractors to consult UK Steel’s Steel Catalogue.

In March 2026 Government published the Steel Strategy, and announced changes to protect the industries that matter most to our national security, including steel.

Departments will have to confirm for the first time whether prime contractors are using UK steel, or explain why not.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had any discussions with Cabinet colleagues on transferring responsibility for animal testing and research to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

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

Ministers of State in the Home Office and DSIT have actively engaged on transferring responsibility for animal testing and research to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Agreement has been reached that the portfolio under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act will remain in the Home Office for the foreseeable future.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to specialist care and support for people living with motor neurone disease in Slough.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England commissions the specialised elements of motor neurone disease (MND) care that patients may receive from 27 specialised neurology centres across England. Within these specialised centres, neurological multidisciplinary teams ensure that patients can access a range of health professionals and specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.  In August 2025, NHS England updated its service specification for specialised adult neurology services. It outlines a number of minimum service requirements for key specialties, including neuromuscular disorders like MND.

At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with MND, including the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit.  The GIRFT Programme has produced a Further Faster handbook for neurology, which provides resources and best practice guidance to help support clinical teams go faster and further in reducing neurology waiting times, including for patients with MND.

Neurology waiting times are coming down. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the average waiting time for neurology services was reduced from 16.2 to 15.2 weeks. Additionally, 57% of patients referred were seen within 18 weeks, up from 54.2% at the same point last year. We are continuing efforts to improve this, recognising this is a challenged specialty.

Baroness Casey has set out that the Government must take immediate action on MND. Where someone has a severe, reasonably predictable, and life-limiting condition, it is essential that we provide rapid access to the support they need, and we will take forward immediate work to develop a fast-track process, or “passport”, that speeds up assessments and access to care for people diagnosed with MND. We will consider how best to safely implement a process that expedites assessments and gets people with MND the care and support they need more quickly.

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Chair); Mr Calvin Bailey; Alex Baker;

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Chair); Mr Calvin Bailey; Alex Baker;

Found: present: Matt Western (The Chair); Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom; Liam Byrne; Sarah Champion; Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

Found: present: Matt Western (The Chair); Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom; Liam Byrne; Sarah Champion; Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

Found: LUKE POLLARD MP MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE READINESS AND INDUSTRY Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Chair); Mr Calvin Bailey; Alex Baker;

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