Written questions by Gelderd.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his Department's policies on protecting (a) global forests and (b) the rights of (i) indigenous peoples and (ii) local communities.

The UK strongly supports global efforts to protect forests, including advocating for the international commitment to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, while supporting livelihoods and economic development. We recognise the urgency of taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation. In 2022, UK consumption was associated with 35.6 thousand hectares of deforestation globally. We are considering the critical guardianship provided by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in protecting forests as well as the importance of safeguarding customary tenure rights in developing our approach, which we will set out in due course. In October 2024, at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, I launched the Principles for Inclusive, Gender-Responsive and Locally-Led Biodiversity Action. These were developed by Defra in collaboration with global stakeholders to guide governments, donors, NGOs, and others in supporting biodiversity efforts that are inclusive, locally-led, and gender-responsive.

What steps her Department is taking to support the use of banking hubs as venues for financial education aimed at improving women’s (a) financial literacy and (b) independence.

Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. Their rollout is overseen by Cash Access UK (CAUK), a not-for-profit company set up and funded by the banks for the purpose of coordinating banking hub delivery.The Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK, the independent industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments, assesses a community’s access to cash needs. LINK will recommend appropriate solutions where it considers that a community requires additional cash services, such as a banking hub or deposit service.   The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules require LINK to consider a range of factors in their assessments, such as population demographics and levels of vulnerability within the community.The Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals have the financial capability to manage their money well and recognises that certain groups – such as women – may face specific barriers to financial literacy and inclusion. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is supported by the Government to provide a wide range of tools and guidance to help people manage money confidently at every stage of life. Furthermore, by making Financial Education and Capability a focus within the Financial Inclusion Strategy, the Government aims to address these barriers and ensure that women, as well as other groups who face barriers, are better equipped to access affordable and appropriate financial products and services.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of broadband access on the economic development of rural communities.

Digital infrastructure is a powerful driver of economic growth and development. The telecoms services industry contributed around 2.5% to UK real GVA in 2023, up from 0.3% in 2010.Evidence from the Government’s Superfast programme showed that for every £1 spent on connections to premises left behind by the market, up to £4.57 was generated in economic and social benefits. We expect Project Gigabit to continue to drive local economic growth and development in areas which stand to benefit from the programme.Building Digital UK also publishes independent evaluations of its programmes at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/building-digital-uk-research-portal

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to improve digital connectivity in (a) rural and (b) coastal communities.

We recognise that poor internet access can pose significant challenges for rural and coastal communities. The Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit broadband. We now expect this target to be reached by 2032. The government also wants all populated areas to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030.Through Project Gigabit, government is delivering fast, reliable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans.4G geographic coverage from at least one mobile operator has now reached over 95% of the UK landmass due to the Shared Rural Network, and we continue to work with the industry to deliver 4G mobile connectivity to places where there is limited or no coverage.

Whether his Department is providing psychological support to LGBT veterans who are asked to relive traumatic experiences as part of the impact statement process for financial reparations.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. It is important to note that due to the individual nature of each case, we do not collect data on the average time between application and payment; this metric would not provide any meaningful insight into processing times, as it will vary considerably according to the specific circumstances of each Veteran’s application. The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting LGBT Veterans who may face reliving traumatic experiences during the FRS impact statement process. Assistance is available to Veterans via our partner charities, Royal British Legion and Fighting with Pride. Additional support is also available from the Veterans Welfare Service. Contact details can be found on the FRS’s gov.uk page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme/lgbt-financial-recognition-scheme-guide-how-to-apply-for-a-financial-recognition-payment The FRS does not have an automated award system in place. To fairly assess if an application meets the eligibility criteria, applications must be processed fully in accordance with the Scheme Rules.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will set out the role (a) seagrasses and (b) marine nature-based solutions will have in his Department's net zero plans.

The Government has set out a clear mission to make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower and accelerate progress towards Net Zero. Achieving this ambition within Defra sectors requires enhanced decarbonisation efforts alongside strengthened nature-based solutions. The Net Zero pathway for Carbon Budgets 4-6 includes nature-based measures aimed at protecting existing ecosystems, restoring degraded landscapes, and creating or sustainably managing new ecosystems. Defra is actively exploring the role of marine nature-based solutions, such as seagrass and saltmarsh restoration, to deliver both carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits. Through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership (UKBCEP) Defra is working with Devolved Governments and DESNZ to address key blue carbon research questions, including assessing their carbon storage potential. The UKBCEP has established a working group and earlier this year Defra published a roadmap to help to address the evidence gaps preventing the inclusion of coastal wetlands in the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

If he will set out how the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan will take into account the distribution of (a) seagrasses and (b) other blue carbon stores when determining the (i) optimal locations, (ii) quantities, and (iii) types of energy infrastructure at sea.

The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) will treat blue carbon stores, such as seagrass beds, saltmarshes and subtidal/intertidal biogenic reefs, as environmental constraints in its spatial evaluation framework. It will draw on datasets such as NIRAS’s MPA Risk Layers and The Crown Estate’s Marine Irreplaceable Habitats. The SSEP will be updated every 3 years, and as more data becomes available on blue carbon stores it will be considered in future iterations of the SSEP.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of seagrass decline on (a) climate change, (b) fisheries and (c) the rate of coastal erosion.

Seagrass habitats offer a range of benefits to people and nature. They store and sequester carbon, support a variety of fish species and help prevent coastal erosion. These benefits would diminish were the habitats to decline in future. To improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems such as seagrass, Defra are supporting the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP). MCCIP synthesise the latest evidence on climate change impacts and predicted trends and publish evidence updates on topics including fisheries, coastal erosion and have previously published a report card specifically on seagrass habitats. Natural England published their “Definition of Favourable Conservation Status for seagrass beds” in 2023. This report outlined seagrass habitat status accounting for historical decline, future pressures – including as a result of climate change – as well as listing beneficial functions seagrass beds provide including for a number of fish species.

What the average time is between application and payment under LGBT Veterans Independent Review reparation schemes.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. It is important to note that due to the individual nature of each case, we do not collect data on the average time between application and payment; this metric would not provide any meaningful insight into processing times, as it will vary considerably according to the specific circumstances of each Veteran’s application. The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting LGBT Veterans who may face reliving traumatic experiences during the FRS impact statement process. Assistance is available to Veterans via our partner charities, Royal British Legion and Fighting with Pride. Additional support is also available from the Veterans Welfare Service. Contact details can be found on the FRS’s gov.uk page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme/lgbt-financial-recognition-scheme-guide-how-to-apply-for-a-financial-recognition-payment The FRS does not have an automated award system in place. To fairly assess if an application meets the eligibility criteria, applications must be processed fully in accordance with the Scheme Rules.

Whether his Department has considered introducing (a) automatic awards and (b) simplified applications for people with confirmed records of dismissal for homosexuality; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on levels of bureaucracy for (i) elderly and (ii) unwell veterans.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. It is important to note that due to the individual nature of each case, we do not collect data on the average time between application and payment; this metric would not provide any meaningful insight into processing times, as it will vary considerably according to the specific circumstances of each Veteran’s application. The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting LGBT Veterans who may face reliving traumatic experiences during the FRS impact statement process. Assistance is available to Veterans via our partner charities, Royal British Legion and Fighting with Pride. Additional support is also available from the Veterans Welfare Service. Contact details can be found on the FRS’s gov.uk page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme/lgbt-financial-recognition-scheme-guide-how-to-apply-for-a-financial-recognition-payment The FRS does not have an automated award system in place. To fairly assess if an application meets the eligibility criteria, applications must be processed fully in accordance with the Scheme Rules.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help support seagrass restoration programmes to scale-up.

Defra is supporting the scaling up of seagrass restoration programmes by identifying and overcoming barriers. The Environment Agency with partners is working to restore 15% of saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster reef in England by 2043 through the Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) programme. Defra have boosted the capacity of ReMeMaRe by funding a programme office, which is supporting a pipeline of practical restoration projects. The annual ReMeMaRe Conference gives partners from across the country an opportunity to engage with and learn from each other. ReMeMaRe has also worked with partners to produce restoration guidance and map restoration opportunities. It is also funding the development of an estuarine and coastal restoration platform, which will enhance collaboration opportunities for partners, aiming to scale up restoration activity on the ground.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the type approval process for inshore vessel monitoring systems in 2021.

Four devices were granted type-approval in 2021, based on evidence provided that devices met the I-VMS device specification of requirements, with the roll-out starting in 2022. Following feedback of quality assurance concerns, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) paused the roll-out and commissioned a third-party testing laboratory to undertake assurance testing of the four devices in 2022/23. Those devices were evaluated according to the I-VMS device specification of requirements. As a result of that testing, two devices passed and retained MMO type-approval status. The roll-out recommenced in 2023 with those two devices.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the specialist support available to bereaved military families.

Defence provides active and comprehensive support to the families of those Service personnel who die in Service. We take a holistic, multi-agency approach to supporting the bereaved with assistance provided through the single Services, the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG) and Veterans Services. Defence has recently undertaken several initiatives to improve this support including working to ensure that the bereaved community are clearly recognised and referenced as distinctly separate to any other cohort, through changes to official communication and language. Additionally, the Purple Book (a guide that supports those responsible for handling the affairs and arrangements following a Service persons death) has recently undergone a full review following stakeholder engagement and consultation with representatives of bereaved families, to ensure its content was appropriate, accurate and informative; this was subsequently endorsed by the DBFG.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure access to specialist support through partnerships with (a) SSAFA and (b) other organisations for military families with (i) adults and (ii) children with additional needs.

The Ministry of Defence acknowledges the challenges faced by Armed Forces families with dependants who have additional needs or disabilities. That is why we have committed to put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. Defence also continues to work with various organisations like SSAFA and Carers UK to enhance support for these families through partnerships and shared experiences. Our collaboration extends to cross-Government efforts to improve support for Service families, focusing on areas like Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of mentoring schemes for service personnel transitioning out of the armed forces in South East Cornwall constituency.

Service personnel transitioning out of the military are entitled to support, including for two years post discharge, through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), delivered by Reed in Partnership since 1 October 2024. Under this contract, 94.3% of Service leavers who choose to transition to a new career have achieved that goal within six months of discharge. Service leavers benefit from individual tailored programmes of support, dedicated expert consultancy and specialist advice, and an enhanced digital platform that provides greater and more flexible access to assistance regardless of where they are serving or where they choose to relocate. The CTP work with a supply chain of expert providers to ensure a holistic approach to resettlement, including the option of mentoring for those choosing to start their own business. Within the South East Cornwall constituency, CTP hosted a successful regional Employment Fair at Home Park in Plymouth on 14 May 2025 which attracted over 200 Service personnel and 40 local and national employers, charities, and veteran groups. This event will now be held annually.

What steps his Department is taking to increase support for veterans entering civilian life in South East Cornwall constituency.

This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country, no matter which community they are based in. I am working across Government and with civil society to ensure veterans, including those in the South East Cornwall constituency, have access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need.In England, Op RESTORE provides specialist care to veterans who have physical health problems, and Op COURAGE, a mental health specialist service helps veterans and their families. Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. Veterans can also access a range of tailored employment support, including the Career Transition Partnership, the initial point of provision for those leaving military Service in search of new job opportunities, and Op ASCEND, the employment pathway for veterans.We recently announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, to ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the UK. This regional approach, based on a network of VALOUR support centres, together with regional field officers, will ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of their local communities. Further details on VALOUR will be announced in due course and more information can be found at the following link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/valour-information-and-next-steps

If he will take steps to introduce a nationwide system to ensure that people experiencing mental health crises have access to support services when they need them; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the mental health support provision for patients in South East Cornwall constituency.

We recognise the importance of ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health crisis can access timely, effective and appropriate support, including those in South East Cornwall. Substantial progress has been achieved in building more robust crisis care pathways across all ages and in all regions, towards ensuring that people in mental health crisis can receive the right care.For example, the Government has committed £26 million in capital investment to support people in mental health crisis, including opening new mental health crisis centres across England, which aim to provide accessible and responsive care for individuals in mental health crisis. In addition, we are piloting several neighbourhood mental health centres which provide support to individuals in crisis without needing to book an appointment; these operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.People of all ages in England experiencing a mental health crisis can speak to a trained National Health Service professional at any time of the day via the NHS 111 service. This service gives people the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff who can help direct them to the right place.We will fulfil the Government’s commitment to recruit an additional 8,500 mental health staff by the end of the Parliament.NHS commissioners in England are responsible for ensuring that mental health services are safe, effective, sustainable and meet the needs of the population.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help tackle the octopus bloom in Cornwall following discussions on 20 May 2025.

Defra, Government scientists (Cefas), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and local Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) met on 20 May to discuss this phenomenon, the evidence, the impacts on the crab and lobster stocks and potential actions. Since this meeting Defra has commissioned a report from Cefas on the background, available stock science and potential causes of the bloom. The Devon and Severn IFCA have issued guidance on the regulations regarding fishing for octopus. A meeting with industry is due to take place on 6 June,

What plans his Department has to harmonise referral (a) rules and (b) procedures for mental health crisis support across regional NHS trusts; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of differences between those rules and procedures on the time taken for people living in South East Cornwall constituency to access mental health support.

We recognise the importance of ensuring equitable access to mental health crisis support across all regions, including in South East Cornwall. Substantial progress has been achieved in building more robust crisis care pathways across all ages and in all regions, towards ensuring that people in mental health crisis have access to timely and appropriate support.For example, the Government has committed £26 million in capital investment to open new mental health crisis centres across England, which aim to provide accessible and responsive care for individuals in mental health crisis. In addition, we are piloting several neighbourhood mental health centres which provide support to individuals in crisis without needing to book an appointment. These centres operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.People of all ages in England experiencing a mental health crisis can speak to a trained National Health Service professional at any time of the day via the NHS 111 service. This service gives people the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff who can help direct them to the right place.

What steps his Department is taking to involve (a) patients, (b) families and (c) communities in changes to the mental health referral system in (i) England and (ii) South East Cornwall constituency.

Any changes to mental health referral systems should be developed with the input of patients, families, and communities, to ensure services meet their needs.At local level, we would expect National Health Service trusts, including those in the South East Cornwall constituency, to take the same approach in actively engaging with service users and local communities when making changes to local referral pathways.We are also taking steps in legislation to improve how people subject to the Mental Health Act and their families or people close to them are involved in decisions about their care. The Mental Health Bill includes a new clinical checklist that requires clinicians to take certain steps when deciding a patient’s care and treatment, where they are detained under the Mental Health Act. This enables clinicians to support the patient to take part in decision making about their care, to consider their wishes and feelings, including those in an Advance Choice Document, to consult with those close to them, and to avoid making unjustified assumptions about the patient. This ensures care and treatment decisions are more patient centric.