Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 83837 on Broadband: Rural Areas, what progress she has made on Project Gigabit in the West Midlands; how many premises in Aldridge–Brownhills constituency do not have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection; what proportion of the £2.4 billion in signed Project Gigabit contracts has been disbursed; and whether Building Digital UK plans to publish data at constituency level in its monthly reporting.

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

Approximately 89,000 premises in the West Midlands region have received access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection through Building Digital UK (BDUK) funding.

According to the independent website, ThinkBroadband.com, 95% of premises in the Aldridge-Brownhills constituency have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection, indicating only 5% (approximately 2,200 premises) do not.

As of 31 October 2025, £302 million of the £2.4 billion committed to signed Project Gigabit contracts has been paid to suppliers for their work. Supplier payments for Project Gigabit contracts are made in line with agreed contract milestones and validated delivery.

BDUK does not plan to publish data at constituency level in its monthly reporting; BDUK publishes at a contract level every month, and at a constituency level as part of the annual official statistics.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question 67377, what plans he has for the Ministerial Women Peace and Security National Action Plan (WPS NAP) steering board to meet as part of the process of refreshing the WPS NAP.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she received on 21 July 2025 in response to Question 67376.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 27 Oct 2025 to Question 83835, if he will publish a list of (a) businesses and (b) sectors in Walsall Borough with whom they consulted.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The government consulted a wide range of businesses from across the UK during the development of the Industrial Strategy, through roundtables, workshops, and direct conversations with businesses, business representation organisations, and networks.

This included the Invest 2035 public consultation which sought feedback on 36 questions to inform the Industrial Strategy. The consultation received over 27,000 online answers to individual questions from a wide range of businesses and organisations, including more than 250 business associations representing hundreds of thousands of businesses across the UK.

We cannot publish a list of businesses and sectors in Walsall Borough with whom we consulted, as no data was systematically collected on respondents’ geographic location. Additionally, to maintain respondents’ confidentiality we cannot share the names of individual respondents or the details of individual responses to the consultation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question 67377, which (a) Departments and (b) civil servants are represented at the (i) the Cross-Whitehall Working Group and (ii) the Cross-Whitehall Deputy Director Shadow Board.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The quarterly Cross-Whitehall Working Group on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is jointly chaired by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), with the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive also represented. The Cross-Whitehall Deputy Director Shadow Board includes senior officials from the same UK Government departments and devolved administrations.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Mayor of the West Midlands on the resilience of supply chains in the West Midlands.

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

In recent interactions the Secretary of State discussed with the West Midlands Mayor the importance of improving the resilience of supply chains in the region and our goal to do so through the Industrial Strategy. A Supply Chain Centre, based in DBT, will lead the government's work to build the resilience of critical supply chains and our £2.5bn DRIVE35 programme will support Zero Emission Vehicle manufacturing and its supply chain.

DBT's Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan also sets out to strengthen UK capabilities and secure more diverse import resources, ensuring better connected and agile supply chains.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has considered reforming the Habitat Regulations in as far as they relate to planning.

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

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is nearing its final stages in Parliament. The Bill establishes a strategic alternative to the Habitats Regulations Assessment in certain circumstances, although the Regulations remain in place. These provisions will accelerate housing and infrastructure development while supporting the recovery of protected sites and species.

The Government is working to improve the functioning of the Habitats Regulations,

including acting on the recommendations of the Corry Review and the recent Post-Implementation Review. We will also publish updated guidance on the Habitats Regulations Assessment process.

We want to ensure that the Habitats Regulations deliver certainty and efficiency for developers, while protecting our most valuable habitats and species.

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 impact of the Extended producer responsibility scheme on inflation for consumers in the (a) food and (b) retail sectors.

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

In autumn last year my department published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme on packaging producers as a whole including impact on CPI inflation and impact on consumers weekly expenditure, when the regulations were laid in parliament.

We continue to work with businesses to ensure the scheme is implemented fairly and proportionately, supporting our shared aim of reducing packaging waste while limiting the impact on consumers.

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 impact of the extended producer responsibility scheme on (a) glass manufacturing and (b) the jobs it supports.

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

In autumn last year my department published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme on packaging producers as a whole when the regulations were laid in parliament. This does not include an assessment of the impact on specific materials or sectors however, my department has engaged extensively with the glass manufacturing sector to understand the impacts on them. This engagement will continue.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the annual cost to the public purse of leasing train carriages per railway operator once the nationalisation programme is complete.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Three train operating companies have transferred into public ownership since July 2024, South Western Railway, c2c and Greater Anglia. The leasing arrangements for both c2c and Greater Anglia were novated on their existing terms and it is the intention to transfer the remaining operators from the private to public sector on existing lease terms. The annual cost of rolling stock to operators is published on an annual basis by the Office for Rail and Road.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of nationalising South Western Railway on passenger rail prices since 25 May 2025.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As more train operators are brought into public ownership through the Department for Transport Operator and the establishment of Great British Railways, we must continue to ensure that passengers and taxpayers receive a fair deal. Since the pandemic, the level of taxpayer subsidy provided to the railway industry has increased from under a quarter of total income in 2018/19 to almost half in 2023/24. Our goal is to balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers, while ensuring the railway’s long-term financial sustainability.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the rail nationalisation programme on passenger rail prices.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As more train operators are brought into public ownership through the Department for Transport Operator and the establishment of Great British Railways, we must continue to ensure that passengers and taxpayers receive a fair deal. Since the pandemic, the level of taxpayer subsidy provided to the railway industry has increased from under a quarter of total income in 2018/19 to almost half in 2023/24. Our goal is to balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers, while ensuring the railway’s long-term financial sustainability.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timeframe is for establishing the Passenger Standards Authority.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As the Government has announced, Transport Focus will be strengthened to become the Passenger Watchdog. It will continue its operations throughout the transition period and can start building up its capability shortly after the Railways Bill receives Royal Assent. We expect the watchdog will be fully established with all of its new powers within 12 months of this.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of ring-fencing funding for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning to (a) maintain accountability and (b) the evidence base for decisions on value for money.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer she received on 6 May 2025 in response to Question 48105.

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 the UK’s commitments at the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit are implemented through integration with (a) education, (b) immunisation, and (c) other relevant areas of development policy.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is a global leader in nutrition and continues to prioritise nutrition integration across sectors. At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, the UK launched the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration, encouraging all 86 signatories to integrate nutrition into sectors such as education and health, for example through GAVI's Immunisation Nutrition Integration work. Since 2021 the FCDO has adopted a Nutrition Policy Marker, which prompts teams to consider nutrition objectives and integration during programme design. This is applied across programmes on early childhood development, food and agriculture, and social protection that are delivered bilaterally or through multilateral partners.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of Official Development Assistance-funded programmes in countering (a) disinformation and (b) destabilisation efforts by hostile states in (i) general and (ii) the Western Balkans.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office keeps all aspects of its Official Development Assistance programmes under review to ensure the maximum impact on our objectives, in consultation with other government departments and a wide range of other stakeholders.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what coordination mechanisms exist between her Department, the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office to align aid spending with (a) defence, (b) resilience and (c) counter-malign influence objectives.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office keeps all aspects of its Official Development Assistance programmes under review to ensure the maximum impact on our objectives, in consultation with other government departments and a wide range of other stakeholders.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what consideration her Department has given to exploring new minilateral partnerships to deliver aid.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office keeps all aspects of its Official Development Assistance programmes under review to ensure the maximum impact on our objectives, in consultation with other government departments and a wide range of other stakeholders.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to increase levels of (a) transparency and (b) accountability in the reporting to Parliament of British International Investment’s performance.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to her on 12 May in response to Question 49375.

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 effectiveness of the UK's role in supporting private sector investment in global health initiatives.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to her on 12 May in response to Question 49375.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how her Department measures the (a) economic and (b) social return on investment from British International Investment projects in partner countries.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to her on 12 May in response to Question 49375.

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 private investment in development funding is effectively leveraged.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to her on 12 May in response to Question 49375.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) monitoring and (b) evaluation mechanisms are in place to measure the impact of UK-supported programmes under the Global Fund on mortality rates for (i) AIDS, (ii) tuberculosis and (iii) malaria.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer she received on 3 November in response to Question 84226.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to enable UK life-sciences (a) companies and (b) researchers to participate in the Global Fund’s efforts to tackle (i) AIDS, (ii) tuberculosis and (iii) malaria.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer she received on 3 November in response to Question 84226.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the final pledging event for the Global Fund’s eighth replenishment will take place; and what the UK’s anticipated contribution is.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer she received on 3 November in response to Question 84226.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with (a) other donor countries and (b) the private sector on encouraging further pledges to the Global Fund.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer she received on 3 November in response to Question 84226.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of requiring local authorities to make separate food waste collections by 31 March 2026 on (a) council budgets and (b) the provision of other core local authority services .

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

As set out at the Spending Review, £3.4 billion of new grant funding will be delivered through the Local Government Finance Settlement within financial years 2026-27 to 2028-29. This includes funding for local authorities to deliver Simpler Recycling as part of the Collection and Packaging waste reforms.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans her Department has to publish (a) performance data and (b) impact evaluations of programmes funded through Official Development Assistance.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As set out in the Programme Operating Framework (published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-programme-operating-framework) - all Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) programmes are required to have a monitoring framework and to report on performance through annual reviews.

The FCDO Evaluation Policy requires publication of evaluation by default and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-evaluation-policy-2025.

All planned, live and completed evaluations are registered on the Government Evaluation Registry.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what mechanisms her Department uses to assess the effectiveness of Official Development Assistance programmes.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As set out in the Programme Operating Framework (published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-programme-operating-framework) - all Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) programmes are required to have a monitoring framework and to report on performance through annual reviews.

The FCDO Evaluation Policy requires publication of evaluation by default and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-evaluation-policy-2025.

All planned, live and completed evaluations are registered on the Government Evaluation Registry.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to safeguard budgets for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning within aid programmes.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer she received on 6 May 2025 in response to Question 48105.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Written Ministerial Statement of 5 November 2025 on Financial Inclusion Strategy, HCWS1019, what steps she is taking to ensure the effective delivery of the commitments in the Strategy; what mechanisms she will put in place to (a) monitor and (b) publish progress against its objectives; and what funding has been allocated to support implementation partners over the next two years.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy setting out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. This includes interventions for both Government and industry to address a range of barriers individuals and households face in accessing financial products, including making it easier to open a bank account without standard ID, build a savings habit and access affordable credit.

The Government recognises that action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and will be working closely with industry and the regulator going forward to deliver on these interventions and make the strategy a reality.

As part of developing the strategy, the Government has engaged with Financial Inclusion Committee members and other organisations on how to measure its impact. The Strategy’s implementation will be reviewed in two years’ time to provide an update on interventions and relevant outcomes-based metrics, which will reflect on the progress made across the sector.

The Government has committed funding to support delivery of the strategy. This includes committing a further £132.5 million of dormant assets funding to Fair4All Finance for work that improves access to financial products and develops individuals’ ability to manage their finances in England, and over £100 million per year to the Money and Pensions Service to fund debt advice.

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 bring forward further legislative proposals on planning reform.

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

Any new primary legislation will be formally announced to Parliament in the usual way.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) role and (b) functions of the Passenger Standards Authority will be.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Passenger Watchdog will have a key role in giving passengers a powerful voice in the railway. It will advocate for all passengers’ interests, offer advice to passengers, the Government and operators, and independently monitor passenger experience, holding operators to account and reporting on its findings publicly and transparently.

It will also be responsible for setting minimum consumer standards, taking action to drive improvements where these are not met, investigate repeated issues with passenger experience, and ensure there is a clear route for passengers to resolve disputes. This means passengers will have an independent voice fighting their corner, placing them back at the heart of our railways once again.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Mayor of the West Midlands on reinstating funding for Aldridge train station.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 87314 on 11 November 2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions has she had with HM Treasury on reinstating funding for Aldridge train station.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Officials from the Department for Transport and HM Treasury have regular discussions on a range of transport issues. The designs are being funded by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) via its devolved City Region Sustainable Transport settlement fund.

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 the Written Statement of 23 October 2025 on Housing Delivery, HCWS991, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the new time-limited planning route on the role of (a) local authorities, (b) ward councillors, and (c) planning committees.

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

On 23 October 2025, the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London announced a new package of support for housebuilding in London. Details can be found on gov.uk here.

A consultation on these London-specific measures will be launched in November 2025, and feedback will be welcomed from local planning authorities and local councillors.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 83834, with reference to his Department’s decision to withdraw funding for Level 7 apprenticeships from January 2026, what evidence from Skills England informed the conclusion that there would be no significant or unavoidable fall in the supply of these skills; whether that evidence will be published.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The government's decision on defunding Level 7 apprenticeships, except for young apprentices under the age of 22, and those under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan, including a summary of the evidence that informed that decision, is published here: Written Statements - Hansard - UK Parliament.

This includes Skills England’s engagement with over 700 stakeholders including representatives from various sectors, employer representative bodies, and young people.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the total value of (a) debts, (b) leases and (c) other liabilities per railway operator the Government will be taking on following completion of the railway nationalisation programme.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government implemented emergency contractual arrangements which involved taking on all revenue and the vast majority of cost risk from the train operating companies. Therefore, public ownership of these rail services is not expected to change the Government’s financial exposure. For example, it is expected that future transfers into public ownership will see existing rolling stock leasing arrangements novate to the new public sector operator on existing terms, and so we do not expect changes to current cost estimates as a result of the transfer of operations into public ownership. Relatedly, to drive value for passengers and taxpayers, the Department is working on a long-term rolling stock and infrastructure strategy, which will be the first for over 30 years, both to give certainty to the manufacturing and assembly market and to pursue modern standards of carbon-friendly traction and passenger comfort and accessibility.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 83834, what discussions his Department has had with the Department of Health and Social Care on the potential impact on NHS workforce (a) recruitment and (b) retention; and how many (i) current and (ii) planned Level 7 nursing apprenticeships are expected to be affected by the withdrawal of funding.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The department continues to work closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), to support apprenticeships and skills provision. The DHSC has confirmed that it will fund the ongoing provision of level 7 apprenticeships in five professions including Specialist community public health nurse, District nurse and Advanced clinical practitioner.

The department continues to fund level 7 apprenticeships for young people under the age of 22, and those under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

The government completed an equality impact assessment ahead of making its decision on the changes to level 7 apprenticeship funding.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 83834, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) short and (b) medium term impact of this policy on the number of nurses in training between 2026 and 2030; whether an equality impact assessment has been undertaken.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The department continues to work closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), to support apprenticeships and skills provision. The DHSC has confirmed that it will fund the ongoing provision of level 7 apprenticeships in five professions including Specialist community public health nurse, District nurse and Advanced clinical practitioner.

The department continues to fund level 7 apprenticeships for young people under the age of 22, and those under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

The government completed an equality impact assessment ahead of making its decision on the changes to level 7 apprenticeship funding.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of her policies on levels of inflation.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury does not produce forecasts for the UK economy. Forecasting the economy, including the impact of Government policy decisions, is the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which published its latest forecast on 26 March 2025. The Chancellor has asked departments to prioritise reducing inflation when developing policies for the Autumn Budget, ensuring decisions support stability and long-term growth.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government support for the (a) supply chain and (b) SMEs, in the context of the cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover.

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

We recognise that many automotive suppliers, particularly SMEs, are under pressure following the recent cyber incident at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The phased restart of production at JLR is now underway and is positive news, however the picture is still developing.

The Department for Business and Trade is continuing to monitor the situation and is working closely with JLR and industry bodies such as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to assess how the recent measures being taken and support being provided is helping suppliers, including SMEs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to what extent (a) uranium fuel used at Sizewell B and (b) Britain’s nuclear energy supply chain relies on imports from (i) Rosatom and (ii) its subsidiaries; and what steps he is taking to ensure that sanctions placed on Rosatom are enforced in relation to UK nuclear power stations.

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

The procurement of nuclear fuel, including uranium and enrichment services, is a commercial matter for reactor operators. The Government works closely with these operators to ensure a secure and resilient supply for the UK fleet but does not routinely collect information relating to any fuel contracts held by UK operators. This information is commercially sensitive, and disclosure would be at the discretion of the operator.

The Government is committed to removing Russian nuclear fuel from UK supply chains by the end of 2028. All current and future reactor operators must comply with UK legal obligations, including any sanctions or trade measures in place against Russia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what safeguards are in place to ensure that UK funding to (a) UNRWA and (b) other multilateral agencies is used (i) responsibly and (ii) effectively.

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

The UK supports the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) both politically and financially, recognising its vital role in delivering humanitarian aid and services in Gaza and the wider region, and the historic mandate it holds for the protection of refugee rights. The Foreign Secretary met with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 4 November where she emphasised UK support for the agency and the important role that UNRWA plays across the region. In line with the approach taken by most other Member States, the UK has conducted extensive due diligence and are satisfied that UNRWA adequately manage UK funds. We are working very closely with the US and other partners on supporting the transition from the ceasefire to phase two of the peace plan which includes ensuring the urgent and unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with (a) her US counterpart and (b) other international partners on the future role of UNRWA in Gaza.

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

The UK supports the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) both politically and financially, recognising its vital role in delivering humanitarian aid and services in Gaza and the wider region, and the historic mandate it holds for the protection of refugee rights. The Foreign Secretary met with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 4 November where she emphasised UK support for the agency and the important role that UNRWA plays across the region. In line with the approach taken by most other Member States, the UK has conducted extensive due diligence and are satisfied that UNRWA adequately manage UK funds. We are working very closely with the US and other partners on supporting the transition from the ceasefire to phase two of the peace plan which includes ensuring the urgent and unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the (a) European Union and (b) international counterparts on potential co-ordinated oversight of Palestinian Authority education reforms.

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

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the statement made on the Middle East by the Prime Minister on 14 October which addresses these discussions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 84230 on Development Aid: Health, whether the reduced figure of £527.3 million reflects any reduction in spending on (a) pandemic preparedness and (b) maternal health.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member back to the answer to which she refers in her question, where the reason for the reduction was explained.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress he has made on the review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment.

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

The Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, to ensure that expertise from a wide range of perspectives is drawn upon.

On 30 October, I announced that I will co-chair the Review alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. We will oversee a steering group responsible for leading the co-production process, setting the Review’s strategic direction, priorities and workplan. The group will be made up of a majority of disabled people or representatives of disabled people’s organisations and will be recruited through an open and transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI is now live and will run until 30 November.

The Review will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for final decisions in autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate she has made of the number of British National (Overseas) visa holders affected by restrictions imposed by the Hong Kong authorities on the withdrawal of savings from the Mandatory Provident Fund; and whether she has made representations to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on the financial rights of UK-based BN(O) citizens.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the latest edition of the six monthly update on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, published on 23 October 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with (a) the United Nations, (b) the EU and (c) other international partners on protecting (i) journalists, (ii) academics, and (iii) civil society activists in Hong Kong who have been (A) targeted and (B) harassed under national security legislation; and whether she will consider new measures to support the work of (1) independent media outlets and (2) NGOs.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the latest edition of the six monthly update on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, published on 23 October 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of China’s compliance with its obligations under the 1984 Sino–British Joint Declaration; and what steps she is planning to take to hold the Chinese Government accountable for its international legal commitments.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the latest edition of the six monthly update on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, published on 23 October 2025.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of UK energy policy on the competitiveness of the UK manufacturing sector.

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

This government recognises the importance of reducing energy costs to boost UK manufacturing competitiveness. Under the Modern Industrial Strategy, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 7000 manufacturing businesses. We will also increase support for our most energy-intensive industries under the British Industry Supercharger, uplifting the Network Charging Compensation scheme from 60% to 90%.

These measures are supported by the Connections Accelerator Service (to reduce grid connection waiting times for strategically important projects), continued support for the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme and support to develop the UK Corporate Power Purchase Agreement market.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reforms to (a) Agricultural Property Relief and (b) Business Property Relief on trends in the number of farm closures.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, and fixing the public finances. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free.

The Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data.

The Government published a tax information and impact note on 21 July 2025 and this is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/reforms-to-agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

The Government will invest more than £2.7 billion a year in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026-27 until 2028-29. This includes the largest financial investment into nature-friendly farming ever.

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 the continued suspension of the Sustainable Farming Incentive on farmers.

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

There are currently record numbers of farmers taking part in farming schemes, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). As of April 2025, they supported 885,000 hectares of arable land being farmed without insecticides; 330,000 hectares of low input grassland managed sustainably; and 85,000 kilometres of hedgerows protected and restored.

We have allocated a record £11.8bn to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. Overall farmers and land managers will benefit from an average of £2.3bn a year through the Farming and Countryside Programme. And up to £400m from additional nature schemes.

Defra is working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that will better target SFI in an orderly way towards our priorities for food, farming and nature. Further information about the reformed SFI will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with (a) the West Midlands Combined Authority and (b) Walsall Council on using the new statutory role for devolved leaders under the Railways Bill to prioritise the reopening of Aldridge Station.

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

The Department welcomes increased influence of devolved leaders to help shape the future of the country’s rail network. This government has also confirmed a £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions settlement for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to 2031-32 to deliver its priorities for local transport improvements. Should Aldridge Station be a priority, the region could consider using this settlement to fund its delivery. Continuing designs and a business case for the scheme, sponsored by WMCA and undertaken by Network Rail, will be completed in Spring 2026.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of unemployment in the West Midlands.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The ONS publish headline indicators for the West Midlands here: HI05 Regional labour market: headline indicators for the West Midlands - Office for National Statistics

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to section 4 of the report by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact on Management of the official development assistance spending target, published on 15 July 2025, what steps she is taking to ensure that the majority of UK aid continues to be spent on development projects of strategic importance to the UK.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Minister of State for International Development and Africa is responsible for ensuring cross-government Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending is coherent with our modernised development approach and chairs the refreshed Ministerial ODA Delivery and Impact Board. This will drive coherence and effectiveness of the UK's development work and value for money in ODA spending across government.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Industrial Strategy on trends in the level of private sector investment in the West Midlands.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government will use the Office for National Statistics dataset (Gross Fixed Capital Formation, Volume Index Capital Service) to analyse investment trends. This dataset releases regional level data annually; Government will analyse sector-level trends once the data is released. Information on specific investment commitments in regions can be found in the Industrial Strategy Quarterly Report excel tables on GOV.UK (published on 7th October 2025), such as the Boeing contract from US Air Force that will create 150 high-skilled jobs in Birmingham.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of in‐donor refugee costs on the aid budget available for overseas development programmes.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 6 November in response to Question 85799.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Industrial Strategy on the fiscal position of the UK.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since publication, over £250 billion of investment commitments have been made into the IS-8, boosting our frontier industries. These commitments will enhance their rate of growth and in turn bring in higher tax revenues.

Fiscal policy is a matter for the Treasury, and the Chancellor has commissioned the Office for Budget Responsibility to produce an economic and fiscal forecast to be published alongside the Budget on 26 November.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help mitigate the potential impact of regulatory changes on compliance costs for SMEs.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government is committed to reducing regulatory compliance costs for SMEs and announced in March a commitment to reduce the administrative burden of regulation for all businesses by £5.6 billion by the end of this Parliament. We have already announced a number of specific measures to ease the regulatory burden on SMEs, including our efforts to modernise corporate reporting requirements. This will include exempting tens of thousands of companies from producing Strategic and Directors' Reports, helping to deliver annual savings of around £230 million.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Industrial Strategy on trends in the level of private sector investment.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government published its first Industrial Strategy Quarterly Update on 7th October 2025 on GOV.UK, which contains information on the £250bn worth of investment commitments since the Industrial Strategy launched, and trends for business investment, gross value added, employment and productivity.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the proposed new Periodic Review funding process for Great British Railways, what mechanisms will be in place to ensure that investment in reopening stations such as Aldridge is considered alongside major infrastructure schemes when funding allocations are agreed.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

During the new Periodic Review process, Great British Railway (GBR) will need to develop an integrated plan across all its proposed activity, this includes infrastructure, passenger services, and railway enhancements such as new stations. This integrated plan will ensure that all funding commitments from different sources and at different times, including those made during the new periodic review, will be considered and align across GBR’s responsibilities.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to protect UK food security.

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

We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British farmers, fishers and food producers.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change we are delivering on the Government’s New Deal for Farmers which includes a raft of new policies and major investment to boost profits for farmers.

We've allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November 2025, CP 1424, what steps she is taking to help ensure an equitable geographic distribution of the 350 new banking hubs; whether the rollout will prioritise areas that have recently experienced bank branch closures; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the new digital pass for identity verification will be accessible for people with limited digital (a) access and (b) literacy.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy setting out a range of interventions to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. This included a key focus on addressing barriers around access to banking and digital inclusion.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. In addition to traditional bank branches, the financial services industry is committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 190 are already open. Government is working closely with industry on this commitment.

The locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. LINK will carry out an assessment wherever a branch closure is announced or if they receive a community request.

LINK will recommend appropriate solutions where it considers that a community requires additional cash services. Some of the criteria that LINK considers are whether there is a bank branch remaining, population size, number of shops on the high street, distance to the nearest bank branch, public transport links and vulnerability of the population.

In September, the government set out plans for a new government-backed Digital ID scheme. This Digital ID will make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services, but will also streamline verification processes across private sectors too, such as when opening a new bank account. As part of the government’s forthcoming consultation on the new Digital ID scheme, the government will look at how to make the scheme inclusive, such as by integrating assistive technologies for those with physical or cognitive disabilities, and ensuring that physical alternatives are available for those without smartphones.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of levels of debt interest payments on the public finances.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast for publication on 26 November 2025, which will accompany the annual Budget.

We are spending over £100bn a year on debt interest - equivalent to £1 in every £10 the government spends. The government’s fiscal strategy put the public finances on a sustainable path while prioritising investment to support long-term economic growth. The fiscal rules provide a blueprint for getting debt on a downward path over the next five years, while borrowing to invest in our economy.

This is the responsible choice – to live within our means, reduce our levels of borrowing in the years ahead and support the Bank of England to get inflation down, so we can deliver on the priorities of working people and spend less on servicing debt.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of recent trends in the level of government borrowing.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast for publication on 26 November 2025, which will accompany the annual Budget.

We are spending over £100bn a year on debt interest - equivalent to £1 in every £10 the government spends. The government’s fiscal strategy put the public finances on a sustainable path while prioritising investment to support long-term economic growth. The fiscal rules provide a blueprint for getting debt on a downward path over the next five years, while borrowing to invest in our economy.

This is the responsible choice – to live within our means, reduce our levels of borrowing in the years ahead and support the Bank of England to get inflation down, so we can deliver on the priorities of working people and spend less on servicing debt.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of public expenditure as a share of national output.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The government's fiscal strategy is putting the public finances on a sustainable path while prioritising investment to protect the NHS and support long-term growth. We are relentlessly cutting waste, improving efficiency to make sure every penny of taxpayers' money is spent wisely, and reforming public services to make sure they are sustainable.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reducing public expenditure.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The government's fiscal strategy is putting the public finances on a sustainable path while prioritising investment to protect the NHS and support long-term growth. We are relentlessly cutting waste, improving efficiency to make sure every penny of taxpayers' money is spent wisely, and reforming public services to make sure they are sustainable.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department publishes Universal Credit (UC) immigration status and nationality statistics as part of the Universal Credit statistics publication. These statistics can be found on https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/universal-credit-statistics-29-april-2013-to-9-october-2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role the UK is playing through the (a) Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform, (b) Ukraine Recovery Conference process and (c) other international strategies to (i) plan and (ii) coordinate Ukraine’s post-conflict reconstruction.

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

We are working closely with the EU, G7 and other partners through the Ukraine Donor Platform to align donor assistance with Ukraine's urgent needs, support recovery planning, and support Ukraine's reform ambitions, including progress towards EU accession. We play a leading role on meeting Ukraine's financing needs and strengthening private sector engagement.

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, the international community pledged €10 billion in support and agreed over 200 business deals spanning defence and reconstruction. The UK committed up to £283 million in bilateral assistance for 2025/2026 to fund humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, recovery and reconstruction programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role the UK is taking through (a) the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, (b) the Ukraine Recovery Conference process and (c) other international efforts to (i) plan and (ii) coordinate Ukraine's post-conflict reconstruction.

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

We are working closely with the EU, G7 and other partners through the Ukraine Donor Platform to align donor assistance with Ukraine's urgent needs, support recovery planning, and support Ukraine's reform ambitions, including progress towards EU accession. We play a leading role on meeting Ukraine's financing needs and strengthening private sector engagement.

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, the international community pledged €10 billion in support and agreed over 200 business deals spanning defence and reconstruction. The UK committed up to £283 million in bilateral assistance for 2025/2026 to fund humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, recovery and reconstruction programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the use of profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets held (a) in the UK and (b) internationally to fund Ukraine’s (i) recovery and (ii) reconstruction.

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

I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October 2025, and the joint statement made by G7 Foreign Ministers following their meetings in Canada on 11-12 November, which has been published on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-of-g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-the-niagara-region

Since February 2022, the World Bank has mobilised nearly $82 billion in support for Ukraine, through a range of financing instruments using a combination of its own and donor resources. The International Monetary Fund currently supports Ukraine through a 4-year Extended Fund Facility, which was approved in March 2023, and has disbursed $10.6 billion as of 30 June 2025. Other multilateral institutions have provided tens of billions of financing since the start of the full-scale invasion, including EU institutions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much Overseas Development Aid has been provided to Ukraine through the (a) World Bank, (b) International Monetary Fund and (c) other multilateral mechanisms since February 2022.

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

I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October 2025, and the joint statement made by G7 Foreign Ministers following their meetings in Canada on 11-12 November, which has been published on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-of-g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-the-niagara-region

Since February 2022, the World Bank has mobilised nearly $82 billion in support for Ukraine, through a range of financing instruments using a combination of its own and donor resources. The International Monetary Fund currently supports Ukraine through a 4-year Extended Fund Facility, which was approved in March 2023, and has disbursed $10.6 billion as of 30 June 2025. Other multilateral institutions have provided tens of billions of financing since the start of the full-scale invasion, including EU institutions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

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

I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October 2025, and the joint statement made by G7 Foreign Ministers following their meetings in Canada on 11-12 November, which has been published on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-of-g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-the-niagara-region

Since February 2022, the World Bank has mobilised nearly $82 billion in support for Ukraine, through a range of financing instruments using a combination of its own and donor resources. The International Monetary Fund currently supports Ukraine through a 4-year Extended Fund Facility, which was approved in March 2023, and has disbursed $10.6 billion as of 30 June 2025. Other multilateral institutions have provided tens of billions of financing since the start of the full-scale invasion, including EU institutions.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on multi-academy trusts.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

I refer the right hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills to the answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 903828.

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 increases in the cost of glass packaging products on their levels of usage.

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

In autumn last year my department published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme on packaging producers as a whole, when the regulations were laid in parliament. This does not include an assessment of the impact on specific materials or sectors; however, Defra has engaged extensively with the glass manufacturing sector to understand the impacts on them. Through modulation, more recyclable materials, such as glass, will benefit from discounted fees, from Year 2 of pEPR (2026/2027).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on assessing the potential impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme on glass use.

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

In autumn last year my department published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme on packaging producers as a whole, when the regulations were laid in parliament. This does not include an assessment of the impact on specific materials or sectors; however, Defra has engaged extensively with the glass manufacturing sector to understand the impacts on them. Through modulation, more recyclable materials, such as glass, will benefit from discounted fees, from Year 2 of pEPR (2026/2027).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme is measured by weight.

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

In autumn last year my department published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme on packaging producers as a whole, when the regulations were laid in parliament. This does not include an assessment of the impact on specific materials or sectors; however, Defra has engaged extensively with the glass manufacturing sector to understand the impacts on them. Through modulation, more recyclable materials, such as glass, will benefit from discounted fees, from Year 2 of pEPR (2026/2027).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with businesses on the potential impact of reductions in levels of relief through business rates relief schemes on those businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Treasury has engaged with a range of stakeholders on business rates about an array of topics. The Transforming Business Rates: Interim Report brings together extensive feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and outlines the Government’s next steps to deliver a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Nigerian counterparts on ongoing reports of (a) abduction and (b) forced marriage of Christian women and girls; and what steps she has taken to protect religious minority women in that country.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government condemns all violence against women and girls, including abduction and forced marriages, across Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom is sadly a widespread practice in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest where banditry is prevalent, and communities of all religions and beliefs have been vulnerable. Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), a Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAKFC) has been established to support cooperation between Nigeria's security and justice agencies. This is already operational and working to reduce the harm to victims and hold those responsible to account. On 11 November, the Minister for International Development and Africa discussed the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria during a meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. The UK's Forced Marriage Unit provides support to victims and those at risk of forced marriage, and advice to professionals through its public helpline and inbox, including in Nigeria.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 84226 on Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, when he plans to communicate to Parliament the conclusion of the multiyear ODA funding allocation process.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK announced on 11 November that it will invest £850 million in the Global Fund's Eighth Replenishment. This is expected to save up to 1.3 million lives in the countries where the Global Fund works as well as helping to prevent the spread of diseases to the UK. Decisions on multi-year allocations are being worked through and announcements will be made in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Child Nutrition Fund on nutrition outcomes for women, children and new-borns in Nigeria.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 14 March in response to Question 35278.

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 support international efforts to (a) document and (b) preserve evidence of atrocities committed in (i) El Fasher and (ii) other parts of Sudan; and whether she is providing (A) technical and (B) financial support to organisations engaged in such documentation.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce further targeted sanctions on (a) individuals, (b) entities and (c) businesses involved in sustaining armed conflict in Sudan.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure (a) safe and (b) sustained access for aid agencies in (i) El Fasher and (ii) other conflict-affected regions.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in territorial control in Sudan on the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Department is taking in its capacity as penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council to secure a ceasefire and to strengthen international action in response to recent atrocities in Darfur.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary to the House on 18 November 2025.

As the Foreign Secretary said: "The UK has committed over £125 million this year alone, delivering lifesaving support to over 650,000 people - treating children with severe malnutrition, providing water and medicine, and supporting survivors of rape. [...] We are urgently pressing for a three-month humanitarian truce to open routes for lifesaving supplies...we desperately need a lasting ceasefire underpinned by a serious political process."