Written questions by Pinkerton.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of securing UK access to the EU's Security Action for Europe Fund.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 November 2025 to Question 90640. The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for enhanced cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with Government departments, including the His Majesty’s Treasury and the Department of Business and Trade, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

How many additional driving examiners have been recruited to test centres in the South East since May 2025.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times. In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.For test centres serving learner drivers in the Southeast, DVSA has recruited and trained 52 DEs who are now in post and delivering driving tests. There are currently 24 new entrant DEs undertaking training, 32 booked on a training course and DVSA has made offers to 26 new entrants.

What progress the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has made on implementing its plan to reduce driving test waiting times in the South East.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times. In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.For test centres serving learner drivers in the Southeast, DVSA has recruited and trained 52 DEs who are now in post and delivering driving tests. There are currently 24 new entrant DEs undertaking training, 32 booked on a training course and DVSA has made offers to 26 new entrants.

How many meetings his Department has had with the European Union on the proposed UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme since the announcement of the UK-EU Reset Deal.

We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU at the UK-EU Summit. The exact parameters are subject to ongoing negotiations. Since the Summit we have held a number of rounds of negotiations with the European Commission regarding outcomes of the Common Understanding, including a youth experience scheme, as well as other areas including a food and drink deal (SPS) and linking our carbon markets (ETS) that started this week.

What recent discussions he has had with the (a) Post Office Board and (b) Fujitsu on accountability for the Horizon IT system.

Sir Wyn Williams is currently preparing the full report of his statutory Inquiry into the Horizon scandal. Until all parts of the report are published, action on accountability would be premature.

Whether her Department has assessed the adequacy of public transport accessibility for assistance dog users in (a) Surrey Heath constituency and (b) Surrey.

The Government recognises the importance of accessible public transport to enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As part of our broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we recognise that more needs to be done to ensure transport is accessible to all, including assistance dog users in Surrey. Our Bus Services Act 2025 includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of local bus services. Among others, we are requiring local authorities to publish a Bus Network Accessibility Plan, assessing the existing accessibility levels of local bus services in their area and specifying any planned improvements to it. Assistance dogs can travel on all UK trains for free and are permitted to be on the train with their handler at all times. There is also an Assistance Dog Travel Scheme, which provides a personal, highly visible and reusable Assistance Dog Under Seat card, that creates a ‘protected space’ for assistance dogs and lets other customers know the seat and the space under it should be kept free. As these are national policies, they also apply to the Surrey Heath constituency and Surrey. We are also committed to developing an Accessible Travel Charter. The charter is a commitment to a shared vision for accessible travel. It will aim to set out what disabled travellers can expect from their journeys and what to do when standards are not met, share best practice across organisations and create consistency in end-to-end journeys for disabled travellers.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the level of (a) recruitment and (b) retention of Armed Forces personnel stationed in Surrey Heath constituency.

Data held in the annually published location statistics for UK Regular Armed Forces report indicates increased recruitment from within the Surrey Heath constituency, in the 12 months to 31 March 2025 compared to the preceding 12-month period. Whilst we have not made similar geographical assessments for retention, given that Surrey Heath is an area with proximity to Army establishments, reduction in the Army's rate of voluntary outflow in the 12 months to 30 June 2025, compared to preceding 12 months serves to highlight likely improvement. We are committed to improving recruitment and retention through a range of targets, initiatives and measures and have already made a positive impact; although outflow currently remains greater than intake, inflow has increased and outflow has decreased, with the gap between reducing. In the 12 months preceding 1 July 2025 there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12 month period. At the same time there was a decrease of 11% in people leaving the Armed Forces.Further information can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/location-statistics-for-uk-regular-armed-forces-and-civilians-2025

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that key stakeholders are involved in the (a) planning and (b) decision-making of works on junctions connecting to critical national infrastructure in Surrey Heath constituency.

Ahead of planned roadwork closures National Highways (NH) engage with local authorities' and key local stakeholders to inform them of the work which may impact on them and plan a suitable schedule. NH inform customers through its website, project information events, letter drops and local media to support road users in areas facing a significant impact from the works. National Highways currently have no planned schemes in Surrey Heath during 2025/26 and have some renewals work planned during 2026/27.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that housing maintenance providers deliver an (a) effective and (b) reliable service for Armed Forces personnel in Surrey Heath constituency.

As at 12 November 2025, 99% of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties serving the Surrey Heath constituency meet or exceed the Decent Homes Standard (DHS). Maintenance standards for SFA follow provisions outlined in JSP 464, the DHS and the Housing Health and Rating Safety System, with contractual performance measures ensuring statutory safety checks and maintenance are completed effectively. The Ministry of Defence ensures effective and reliable housing maintenance services for Armed Forces personnel through close monitoring of Industry Partners using Key Performance Indicators, regular reviews, audits and customer feedback.

What recent assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of unemployment for (a) younger and (b) older people in Surrey Heath constituency.

The information requested is published and available at:https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp Guidance for users can be found at:https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp The estimated unemployment levels can be found by selecting “Query data” on the NOMIS home page and selecting “Annual Population Survey/Labour Force Survey” and then “annual population survey (Dec 2004 to Jun 2025)” in the lists of data sources. The Geography will need to be set for the relevant Westminster constituency from the menu, and the Variable set to the desired age group from the “Unemployment rate” Category.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce water bills for (a) individuals and (b) families in Surrey Heath constituency.

It is Ofwat's responsibility to independently scrutinise water company business plans and ensure that the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. The price controls set as part of Price Review 2024 (PR24) came into effect on 01 April 2025. As part of this approach companies are required to publish their charges before each financial year in their Charges Scheme. Ofwat sets charging rules that companies must follow when developing their charging schemes and differences in charges for different services need to reflect differences in costs. Their licences also prohibit companies from setting charges which show undue discrimination or preference. Ofwat does not approve companies’ charges, but they have the powers to intervene if they are or could be breaching the rules or licence conditions. Water companies must also comply with Ofwat's Paying Fair principles which includes companies needing to make information about services and bills more understandable for all customers – and make it available in a way that best meets their needs. The Government has already announced that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. When money for investment is not spent, companies will be required to refund customers via lower water bills, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases. We understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing and we are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills; water companies must ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Moreover, the Government expects industry to keep the current support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country are supported. We also expect all water companies to put appropriate support in place for customers struggling to pay their bills and to proactively engage with their customers to ensure they know what support schemes are available and how to use them if they need help. All companies have measures in place such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support. The Government has acted decisively by consulting on reforms to WaterSure – the statutory scheme which caps bills for low-income customers with necessary higher water usage and by introducing new and increased compensation for companies to pay customers in the event of unforeseen disruption to supply. Before the end of the year, the Government will publish a Water White Paper bringing forward root and branch reform to secure better outcomes for customers, investors and the environment and restore trust and accountability. Together with the building blocks the Government has already put in place, this will mark the most fundamental reset to our water system in a generation.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of financial support available to customers experiencing water bill debt in Surrey Heath constituency.

It is Ofwat's responsibility to independently scrutinise water company business plans and ensure that the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. The price controls set as part of Price Review 2024 (PR24) came into effect on 01 April 2025. As part of this approach companies are required to publish their charges before each financial year in their Charges Scheme. Ofwat sets charging rules that companies must follow when developing their charging schemes and differences in charges for different services need to reflect differences in costs. Their licences also prohibit companies from setting charges which show undue discrimination or preference. Ofwat does not approve companies’ charges, but they have the powers to intervene if they are or could be breaching the rules or licence conditions. Water companies must also comply with Ofwat's Paying Fair principles which includes companies needing to make information about services and bills more understandable for all customers – and make it available in a way that best meets their needs. The Government has already announced that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. When money for investment is not spent, companies will be required to refund customers via lower water bills, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases. We understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing and we are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills; water companies must ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Moreover, the Government expects industry to keep the current support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country are supported. We also expect all water companies to put appropriate support in place for customers struggling to pay their bills and to proactively engage with their customers to ensure they know what support schemes are available and how to use them if they need help. All companies have measures in place such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support. The Government has acted decisively by consulting on reforms to WaterSure – the statutory scheme which caps bills for low-income customers with necessary higher water usage and by introducing new and increased compensation for companies to pay customers in the event of unforeseen disruption to supply. Before the end of the year, the Government will publish a Water White Paper bringing forward root and branch reform to secure better outcomes for customers, investors and the environment and restore trust and accountability. Together with the building blocks the Government has already put in place, this will mark the most fundamental reset to our water system in a generation.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of military service on sentencing decisions in criminal cases.

Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the independent judiciary, who take into account the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in accordance with the relevant law. Sentencers also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, unless in the interests of justice not to do so. Sentencing guidelines help promote consistency and transparency in sentencing. Whilst the fact that someone is a veteran is not explicitly listed as a mitigating factor in statute nor in sentencing guidelines, judges have the flexibility to consider relevant factors in an individual case and could, for example, choose to take previous positive good character or exemplary conduct into account when determining a sentence, if considered appropriate to do so based on the full facts of the case. We do not hold data concerning the previous military service of those sentenced at the criminal courts and so are unable to make an assessment of sentencing outcomes for this cohort relative to non-veterans. More generally, prisoners are asked on entry into custody whether they have served in the armed forces, and responses are then checked against Ministry of Defence records.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the (a) condition and (b) maintenance standards of Armed Forces accommodation in Surrey Heath constituency.

As at 12 November 2025, 99% of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties serving the Surrey Heath constituency meet or exceed the Decent Homes Standard (DHS). Maintenance standards for SFA follow provisions outlined in JSP 464, the DHS and the Housing Health and Rating Safety System, with contractual performance measures ensuring statutory safety checks and maintenance are completed effectively. The Ministry of Defence ensures effective and reliable housing maintenance services for Armed Forces personnel through close monitoring of Industry Partners using Key Performance Indicators, regular reviews, audits and customer feedback.

What assessment his Department has made of the eligibility criteria for individuals to be considered for (a) Covid and (b) Flu vaccinations in Surrey Heath constituency.

The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and flu through vaccination, as guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Eligibility for vaccination programmes informed by JCVI advice is set at a national level. The primary aim of the vaccination programmes remains the prevention of serious illness, resulting in hospitalisations and deaths, arising from COVID-19 and flu.The JCVI has advised that population immunity to COVID-19 has been increasing due to a combination of naturally acquired immunity following recovery from infection and vaccine-derived immunity. COVID-19 is now a relatively mild disease for most people, though it can still be unpleasant, with rates of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 having reduced significantly since COVID-19 first emerged.The focus of the JCVI advised programme has therefore moved towards targeted vaccination of the two groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease, including mortality. These are the oldest adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed.The Government has accepted the JCVI advice for autumn 2025 and in line with the advice, a COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to the following groups in autumn 2025:- adults aged 75 years old and over;- residents in care homes for older adults; and- individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.Flu is a recurring pressure that the National Health Service faces every winter. There is particular risk of severe illness for older people, the very young, pregnant people, and those with certain underlying health conditions. In line with the JCVI’s advice, those eligible to receive a free flu vaccine on the NHS this autumn are those who: - are children aged two or three years old on 31 August 2025;- are primary school aged children, from Reception to Year 6;- are secondary school aged children, from Year 7 to Year 11;- are children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to less than 18 years old;- are aged 65 years old or over, including those who will be 65 years old by 31 March 2026;- have certain long-term health conditions;- are pregnant;- live in a care home;- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance;- live with someone who has a weakened immune system;- are frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers, and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments, for personal budgets, or Personal Health budgets, such as personal assistants; and- frontline health and social care workers, who can access the flu vaccine through their employer. There are circumstances where frontline staff, employed by specific social care providers without access to employer led occupational health schemes, see cohort eligibility above, can access the vaccine through the NHS free of charge.As with other United Kingdom vaccination programmes, the JCVI’s advice on eligibility for both of these programmes carefully considered the evidence on the risk of illness, serious disease, or death as a consequence of infection, in specific groups, as well as a cost-effectiveness analysis. The JCVI keeps their advice under review.

What steps his Department is taking to improve data collection on (a) the number of veterans serving custodial sentences and (b) potential disparities in sentencing outcomes.

Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the independent judiciary, who take into account the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in accordance with the relevant law. Sentencers also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, unless in the interests of justice not to do so. Sentencing guidelines help promote consistency and transparency in sentencing. Whilst the fact that someone is a veteran is not explicitly listed as a mitigating factor in statute nor in sentencing guidelines, judges have the flexibility to consider relevant factors in an individual case and could, for example, choose to take previous positive good character or exemplary conduct into account when determining a sentence, if considered appropriate to do so based on the full facts of the case. We do not hold data concerning the previous military service of those sentenced at the criminal courts and so are unable to make an assessment of sentencing outcomes for this cohort relative to non-veterans. More generally, prisoners are asked on entry into custody whether they have served in the armed forces, and responses are then checked against Ministry of Defence records.

Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with Ofcom on simplifying the process for transferring mobile contracts between family members while retaining existing numbers.

The Government works closely with Ofcom, the independent telecoms regulator, to ensure that consumers feel empowered interacting with the telecoms sector and feel they are getting a good deal.We have not had recent discussions with Ofcom on this specific matter but keep the regulatory landscape under review to ensure that it is accessible and as simple as possible for consumers to get a good deal.

What discussions he has had with the Post Office Horizon Inquiry on the publication of evidence.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 and Sir Wyn Williams and the Inquiry team have the right to receive full access to the information and witnesses they require in order to investigate what went wrong at the Post Office. The Inquiry is entirely independent. Within its published terms of reference, Sir Wyn has the power to decide what to look at and which evidence to make public.The Department for Business and Trade is the lead department on Post Office issues, so the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice has not engaged with the Inquiry on the publication of its evidence. It is important that the Government respect Sir Wyn’s independence, therefore it would not be appropriate for Government to comment further on the Inquiry.

Whether his Department has made a comparative assessment of the consistency of sentencing outcomes for (a) veterans and (b) non-veterans convicted of similar offences.

Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the independent judiciary, who take into account the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in accordance with the relevant law. Sentencers also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, unless in the interests of justice not to do so. Sentencing guidelines help promote consistency and transparency in sentencing. Whilst the fact that someone is a veteran is not explicitly listed as a mitigating factor in statute nor in sentencing guidelines, judges have the flexibility to consider relevant factors in an individual case and could, for example, choose to take previous positive good character or exemplary conduct into account when determining a sentence, if considered appropriate to do so based on the full facts of the case. We do not hold data concerning the previous military service of those sentenced at the criminal courts and so are unable to make an assessment of sentencing outcomes for this cohort relative to non-veterans. More generally, prisoners are asked on entry into custody whether they have served in the armed forces, and responses are then checked against Ministry of Defence records.

What estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of Post Office (a) litigation, (b) compensation schemes and (c) public communications related to Horizon IT.

No public funding commitments nor costs have been incurred to date with regards to litigation.At the Autumn Budget 2024, the government set aside £1.8 billion of funding for redress payments from 2024-25 in addition to around £200 million that had already been distributed. This is not a target or limit. As of 31 October 2025, approximately £1,273 million has been paid to over 9,500 claimants.As part of the spending review settlement over £500 million has been committed over the Parliament to allow the Post Office to implement its Strategic Transformation Plan, including the replacement of the legacy Horizon computer system.