Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to HCWS1271 on Improving Cancer Care and Early Diagnosis, when bowel cancer screening invitations will be issued via the NHS App; what proportion of eligible patients currently use the App; what steps he is taking to help ensure that digitally excluded groups will continue to be supported; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the trend in the levels of uptake in digital screening; and what safeguards exist to help ensure no eligible patients miss screening invitations.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

Whilst there is an increasing move towards digital National Health Service communications, NHS letters remain crucial for many patients, particularly those who may be digitally excluded, therefore, they will always be included in the screening offer. For bowel screening, NHS England currently uses NHS Notify which sends pre-invitations via the NHS App first, and if that message isn't read or the person doesn't have the app, a paper letter is sent. Everyone will still get sent a bowel cancer screening home testing kit through the post after pre-information, with information on completing the kit.

National roll out of digital pre-invitations is planned over the next couple of months, following a regional pilot last year. From that pilot, NHS England saw approximately 30% of people receive these communications via the NHS app. Based on other similar services, NHS England expects this to increase when other digital communications such as SMS are introduced.

National rollout has already been completed in cervical screening with positive results, where approximately 90% of invites are received via the NHS App or SMS.

Impact on the uptake of screening will be monitored over at least a six-month period to allow people time to take up their screening offer. To date, no negative impact has been indicated, but NHS England is monitoring closely to assess.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to HCWS1271, what metrics his Department uses to measure geographic inequalities in cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival; which regions perform worst on early diagnosis and cancer outcomes; whether he will bring forward interventions to targeted the worst performing areas; and how his Department monitors and reports steps it is taking to help reduce such geographic disparities.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

The Department monitors geographic inequalities in cancer diagnosis and treatment through the NHS Cancer Waiting Time Standards, for which data is published at integrated care board and provider level. The NHS England Acute Provider Table for all 134 providers supports this transparency.

Early diagnosis is monitored through NHS England’s annual publication of early diagnosis data in England, the Case-mix Adjusted Percentage of Cancers Diagnosed at Stages 1 and 2. Early diagnosis data is published for England as a whole and for the integrated care boards. Survival data is monitored through NHS England's annual publication of cancer survival data in England. Cancer survival data is published for England as a whole, for the National Health Service regions, integrated care boards, and Cancer Alliances for 21 selected cancers. The index of cancer survival for all cancers is published for England, integrated care boards, and Cancer Alliances.

The Department recognises that outcomes remain poorest in some deprived, rural and coastal areas, where rates of early diagnosis and cancer survival are lower. To support improvement, the Government has provided £200 million of ring‑fenced funding for Cancer Alliances in 2026/27 to help the lowest‑performing trusts strengthen diagnostic pathways and reduce delays.

The Department monitors progress through regular oversight with NHS England, tracking improvements in early diagnosis and treatment standards across regions. These measures underpin our commitment to reducing geographic disparities so that a patient’s chances of survival do not depend on where they live.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what aspects of the implementation of the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty she considers non-negotiable; and how this negotiating position will protect UK citizens and Gibraltar residents.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to HCWS1271 of 26 January 2026t on Improving Cancer Care and Early Diagnosis, when the National Cancer Plan will be published; what interim milestones have been set ahead of publication; what engagement has taken place with NHS England, Cancer Alliances and patient groups; and what mechanisms will be used to ensure delivery against the Plan’s commitments.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

The National Cancer Plan was published on the 4 February 2026.

The Department received more than 11,000 responses to a Call for Evidence alongside significant engagement with patients, families, carers, clinicians, researchers, cancer charities and voluntary groups.

Now that the National Cancer Plan is published, the Department, NHS England and the Cancer Alliances will continue to work together with partners across the healthcare landscape to ensure it is delivered, to transform cancer care and save lives.

The Government has committed to a clear accountability structure for the plan, where Cancer Alliances play a leading role to deliver it, working with local systems. A reformed National Cancer Board, jointly chaired by the Department and an independent representative, will track progress against the Plans commitments and provide regular updates to ministers. The plan includes tables at the end of each chapter, setting out when commitments should be delivered and which organisation will be responsible.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to HCWS1281 on reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, what plans she has to regulate veterinary and animal healthcare businesses; how price transparency and consumer protections will be enforced; what progress she has made in responding to the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the veterinary sector.

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

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is currently unable to regulate businesses. Defra’s consultation on reform of this Act, released on 28 January, proposes that all veterinary and animal health businesses (those owned by allied veterinary professionals) be licensed and regulated. This may include policies surrounding price transparency and consumer rights, in line with the outcomes and remedies of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) market investigation into the household pet veterinary sector.

The CMA’s investigation is currently ongoing. Its final report is expected in the spring and Defra shall respond to it within 90 days of its publication.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in reference to HCWS1286 made of 26 January 2026 on Resetting the S106 system, what estimate he has made of the number of affordable homes that could be converted to private sale or market rent through the proposed time-limited tenure renegotiations; and what safeguards will be in place to ensure there is no net loss of social and affordable housing at the local authority level.

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

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 28 January 2026 (HCWS1286).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to HCWS1281 of 28 January 2026 on reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, what assessment the Government has made of the potential impact of allowing veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals to practise more independently; what safeguards will be introduced to maintain animal welfare and clinical standards; how accountability will be enforced under a licence-to-practise model; and what steps will be taken to ensure public confidence in the regulatory framework.

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

Registered Veterinary Nurses are highly qualified and are regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Any work they do will remain within their competencies though some tasks that veterinary nurses regularly do now, may no longer need a veterinary surgeon to be present; this opens up the ability to undertake district nursing. Allied veterinary professionals (AVPs) are currently unregulated and work independently of vets; regulating them will protect animal health and welfare. Like veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, under our proposals, all AVPs will need the correct training, and be licensed and accountable to the regulating body. If they do not meet the required standards, they can be reported, and subject to the fitness to practise procedures (similar to the current RCVS disciplinary framework). Defra is additionally proposing an oversight body to review the actions of the regulator– ensuring further accountability.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to HCWS1271 on Improving Cancer Care and Early Diagnosis, which early cancer detection technologies NICE is currently assessing; what timelines apply to NICE's decisions to approve those technologies; whether funding has been allocated to adoption of approved early cancer detection technologies; what steps he is taking to help ensure that there is equitable access to early cancer detection technologies across the regions; and what steps he is taking to help ensure that innovation in early cancer detection technologies does not widen health inequalities.

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

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently assessing a number of technologies relevant to earlier cancer detection. These include capsule sponge tests to support detection of oesophageal cancer in primary care settings, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist clinicians in identifying prostate and breast cancers from imaging. NICE is also considering potential evaluations, subject to evidence readiness and prioritisation, for technologies aimed at improving detection of endometrial cancer, and for AI-derived software to analyse chest x-rays for suspected lung cancer.

Timelines vary depending on the NICE programme through which a technology is assessed. For technologies evaluated through the Technology Appraisal programme, a positive recommendation creates a statutory funding requirement for National Health Service commissioners to make the treatment available within 90 days of final guidance publication.

NHS England is working closely with NICE and the Department to support the prioritisation for the Technology Appraisal programme. Should NICE recommend use after a Technology Appraisal, NHS England will support adoption and implementation through funding allocated across the multi-year Spending Review.

The Government is clear that innovation must narrow, not widen, health inequalities. Access to NICE-recommended technologies is a national entitlement, and where the statutory funding requirement applies it operates consistently across England, regardless of geography or care setting. NICE’s methods require consideration of equality impacts, and implementation support is designed to ensure that new detection technologies reach underserved groups and do not exacerbate existing disparities.

More broadly, the Government is taking a range of steps to ensure equitable access to earlier diagnosis. Our National Cancer Plan will drive up standards across England and tackle health inequalities head on. New cancer manuals will set out what good care looks like, with regional partnerships of health leaders and clinicians using data to drive improvements where services are falling short. The plan will also see new national standards, designed by clinicians, and better data, to inform and drive changes where they are most needed.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to HCWS1286 on Resetting the S106 system, what consultation she will undertake with local authorities prior to implementing the planned Spring 2026 reforms.

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

My Department will continue to engage with all relevant parts of the sector as we develop measures designed to ‘reset’ the S106 market and support the effective S106 delivery of social and affordable homes, including local authorities.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in reference to HCWS1286 on Resetting the S106 system, whether financial payments made in lieu of onsite affordable housing will be required to remain within the originating local authority area.

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

The government expects that wherever financial payments are accepted in lieu of onsite affordable housing, they will remain within the originating local authority area.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment the Government-appointed commissioners have made of the potential impact of the waste strike on Birmingham City Council’s financial sustainability.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Commissioners were appointed in October 2023 to provide oversight and support the Council on their wider improvement journey. The Secretary of State receives regular six-monthly reports from Commissioners outlining the progress made by the Council in complying with the Best Value Duty and the Department regularly engages with Commissioners as is normal for all interventions. The Commissioners’ third report was published on gov.uk on 1 December 2025 alongside a Written Ministerial Statement.

Throughout the dispute, this government’s priority has been the residents of Birmingham. During the acute phase of the waste dispute in the spring, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city can be safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. The government remains in close contact with Commissioners and the Council as we continue to monitor the situation and the associated impact of the bin strike on local communities. We cannot allow a return to the levels of disruption seen last spring.

The Council are moving towards financial sustainability, and they have recently announced proposals for a balanced revenue budget in 2026/27 without Exceptional Financial Support. This is possible because of the government’s funding reforms – which will increase Birmingham’s Core Spending Power by 45% from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how frequently Government-appointed commissioners at Birmingham City Council report to Ministers on the impact of the waste dispute on the improvement of that council.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Commissioners were appointed in October 2023 to provide oversight and support the Council on their wider improvement journey. The Secretary of State receives regular six-monthly reports from Commissioners outlining the progress made by the Council in complying with the Best Value Duty and the Department regularly engages with Commissioners as is normal for all interventions. The Commissioners’ third report was published on gov.uk on 1 December 2025 alongside a Written Ministerial Statement.

Throughout the dispute, this government’s priority has been the residents of Birmingham. During the acute phase of the waste dispute in the spring, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city can be safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. The government remains in close contact with Commissioners and the Council as we continue to monitor the situation and the associated impact of the bin strike on local communities. We cannot allow a return to the levels of disruption seen last spring.

The Council are moving towards financial sustainability, and they have recently announced proposals for a balanced revenue budget in 2026/27 without Exceptional Financial Support. This is possible because of the government’s funding reforms – which will increase Birmingham’s Core Spending Power by 45% from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he has taken in response to commissioners’ concerns over the impact of the waste dispute in Birmingham on council capacity.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Commissioners were appointed in October 2023 to provide oversight and support the Council on their wider improvement journey. The Secretary of State receives regular six-monthly reports from Commissioners outlining the progress made by the Council in complying with the Best Value Duty and the Department regularly engages with Commissioners as is normal for all interventions. The Commissioners’ third report was published on gov.uk on 1 December 2025 alongside a Written Ministerial Statement.

Throughout the dispute, this government’s priority has been the residents of Birmingham. During the acute phase of the waste dispute in the spring, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city can be safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. The government remains in close contact with Commissioners and the Council as we continue to monitor the situation and the associated impact of the bin strike on local communities. We cannot allow a return to the levels of disruption seen last spring.

The Council are moving towards financial sustainability, and they have recently announced proposals for a balanced revenue budget in 2026/27 without Exceptional Financial Support. This is possible because of the government’s funding reforms – which will increase Birmingham’s Core Spending Power by 45% from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of prolonged disruption to waste collection services in Birmingham on public health.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Commissioners were appointed in October 2023 to provide oversight and support the Council on their wider improvement journey. The Secretary of State receives regular six-monthly reports from Commissioners outlining the progress made by the Council in complying with the Best Value Duty and the Department regularly engages with Commissioners as is normal for all interventions. The Commissioners’ third report was published on gov.uk on 1 December 2025 alongside a Written Ministerial Statement.

Throughout the dispute, this government’s priority has been the residents of Birmingham. During the acute phase of the waste dispute in the spring, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city can be safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. The government remains in close contact with Commissioners and the Council as we continue to monitor the situation and the associated impact of the bin strike on local communities. We cannot allow a return to the levels of disruption seen last spring.

The Council are moving towards financial sustainability, and they have recently announced proposals for a balanced revenue budget in 2026/27 without Exceptional Financial Support. This is possible because of the government’s funding reforms – which will increase Birmingham’s Core Spending Power by 45% from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February 2026 to Question 107689, what the expected split is between inbound and outbound places within the 100,000 places referred to; and over what period those 100,000 places are expected to be delivered.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

We expect that over 100,000 people could benefit from outbound mobility and partnership opportunities from UK participation in 2027. Depending on the Erasmus+ action for which they apply, UK beneficiaries of Erasmus+ funding in the 2027 call year will be able to use their funding for projects lasting between 3 and 36 months.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with Birmingham City Council on contingency arrangements to mitigate the impact of the waste strike on residents.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The ongoing waste dispute is damaging for the residents and reputation of the great city of Birmingham. We take the progress made across Birmingham City Council extremely seriously. A successful and prospering Birmingham is a high priority for this government, and the department regularly meets both the Council and Commissioners, alongside receiving regular updates on progress, including on the waste dispute and contingency arrangements. During the acute phase of the waste dispute last year, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city was safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. In relation to advice received on the waste dispute, internal government advice will not be published, in line with normal practice and convention.

Any allegation of bullying or harassment is a matter for the employer to deal with in the first instance. Birmingham City Council and their contracted agency are independent employers, and the ongoing disputes are a local issue. The government is not a party in the dispute and does not hold information about the allegations of bullying or harassment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what written correspondence he has had with Birmingham City Council on proposed settlements to end the waste strike.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The ongoing waste dispute is damaging for the residents and reputation of the great city of Birmingham. We take the progress made across Birmingham City Council extremely seriously. A successful and prospering Birmingham is a high priority for this government, and the department regularly meets both the Council and Commissioners, alongside receiving regular updates on progress, including on the waste dispute and contingency arrangements. During the acute phase of the waste dispute last year, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city was safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. In relation to advice received on the waste dispute, internal government advice will not be published, in line with normal practice and convention.

Any allegation of bullying or harassment is a matter for the employer to deal with in the first instance. Birmingham City Council and their contracted agency are independent employers, and the ongoing disputes are a local issue. The government is not a party in the dispute and does not hold information about the allegations of bullying or harassment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on allegations of bullying and harassment made by agency waste workers in Birmingham.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The ongoing waste dispute is damaging for the residents and reputation of the great city of Birmingham. We take the progress made across Birmingham City Council extremely seriously. A successful and prospering Birmingham is a high priority for this government, and the department regularly meets both the Council and Commissioners, alongside receiving regular updates on progress, including on the waste dispute and contingency arrangements. During the acute phase of the waste dispute last year, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city was safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. In relation to advice received on the waste dispute, internal government advice will not be published, in line with normal practice and convention.

Any allegation of bullying or harassment is a matter for the employer to deal with in the first instance. Birmingham City Council and their contracted agency are independent employers, and the ongoing disputes are a local issue. The government is not a party in the dispute and does not hold information about the allegations of bullying or harassment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will publish advice he has received from commissioners and officials on the Birmingham waste dispute.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The ongoing waste dispute is damaging for the residents and reputation of the great city of Birmingham. We take the progress made across Birmingham City Council extremely seriously. A successful and prospering Birmingham is a high priority for this government, and the department regularly meets both the Council and Commissioners, alongside receiving regular updates on progress, including on the waste dispute and contingency arrangements. During the acute phase of the waste dispute last year, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city was safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. In relation to advice received on the waste dispute, internal government advice will not be published, in line with normal practice and convention.

Any allegation of bullying or harassment is a matter for the employer to deal with in the first instance. Birmingham City Council and their contracted agency are independent employers, and the ongoing disputes are a local issue. The government is not a party in the dispute and does not hold information about the allegations of bullying or harassment.