Written questions by Khan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of making Israel a Human Rights Priority country.

The UK is committed to promoting and protecting human rights and rule of law around the world. On 10 December 2024, the Foreign Secretary and Lord Collins, Minister for Human Rights, set out their five priorities on human rights and democratic governance. Central to the strategic approach is the principle that human rights matter everywhere.The UK is committed to improving the human rights situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We regularly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 25957 on North Sea Oil: Carbon Emissions, whether he plans to appeal the Edinburgh Court of Session's ruling of 30 January 2025.

The Government is carefully considering the Court of Session's judgment to inform its decisions on next steps.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 January 2025 to Question 20760 on Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy, whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on increasing the UK's manufacturing capacity of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies.

There have been no recent discussions with Cabinet Office colleagues on increasing the United Kingdom’s manufacturing capacity of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) or increasing access to the raw ingredients required for the production of PERT. However, we have established incentives to encourage UK life sciences manufacturing, including via the Life Science Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF). The LSIMF is now live and open to Expressions of Interest from all life science manufacturers, with formal application windows open on a quarterly basis, the next being in February 2025. The Government has committed up to £520 million to support businesses investing in life science manufacturing projects in the UK, and this would be open to applicants interested in setting up PERT manufacture in the UK.Department officials continue to engage with all suppliers of PERT to boost production to mitigate the supply issue. Increased volumes of PERT are expected for 2025, and specialist importers have sourced unlicensed stock to assist in covering the gap in the market. In December, the Department issued further management advice to healthcare professionals. This directs clinicians to unlicensed imports when licensed stock is unavailable and includes actions for integrated care boards to ensure local mitigation plans are implemented. The Department, in collaboration with NHS England, has created a public facing page to include the latest update on PERT availability and easily accessible prescribing advice.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 January 2025 to Question 20760 on Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy, whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on increasing access to the raw ingredients required for the production of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

There have been no recent discussions with Cabinet Office colleagues on increasing the United Kingdom’s manufacturing capacity of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) or increasing access to the raw ingredients required for the production of PERT. However, we have established incentives to encourage UK life sciences manufacturing, including via the Life Science Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF). The LSIMF is now live and open to Expressions of Interest from all life science manufacturers, with formal application windows open on a quarterly basis, the next being in February 2025. The Government has committed up to £520 million to support businesses investing in life science manufacturing projects in the UK, and this would be open to applicants interested in setting up PERT manufacture in the UK.Department officials continue to engage with all suppliers of PERT to boost production to mitigate the supply issue. Increased volumes of PERT are expected for 2025, and specialist importers have sourced unlicensed stock to assist in covering the gap in the market. In December, the Department issued further management advice to healthcare professionals. This directs clinicians to unlicensed imports when licensed stock is unavailable and includes actions for integrated care boards to ensure local mitigation plans are implemented. The Department, in collaboration with NHS England, has created a public facing page to include the latest update on PERT availability and easily accessible prescribing advice.

Innovation and Technology, what was the total allocation of funding from the Life Science Innovative Manufacturing Fund to projects aimed at improving the (a) supply and (b) distribution of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy since 2 March 2022.

The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund has – since its inception in March 2022 – supported a wide range of projects across the life sciences sector, able to manufacture different types of life-saving medicines and medical devices. Several of these could have the capability to manufacture medicines such as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies. The latest iteration of this fund will allocate up to £520 million to deliver economic growth and build health resilience. The fund is currently open to applications, and we encourage companies with eligible life sciences manufacturing projects to apply.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Rosebank oil field development on the UK's net zero obligations.

I refer the Hon Member to the regulatory decision documents on the environmental effects of the Rosebank project published in September 2023. Those regulatory decisions are currently subject to two Judicial Reviews. In August 2024, the Government announced that it would not be challenging the Judicial Reviews. At COP28, the UK and others agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in an orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade. This is essential to keep the global temperature limit of 1.5°C within reach. The Government has acted swiftly to consult on new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms to ensure that the impact of burning oil and gas is considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment for new projects.

What the average processing time for Syrians' asylum applications was before 9 December 2024.

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by nationality and duration is published in table Asy_D03 of the ‘Asylum applications, initial decisions and resettlement detailed datasets’. The latest data relates to the situation as of 30th September 2024.

For what reason her Department paused the processing of applications made by Syrian asylum seekers on 9 December 2024.

We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review, so we can respond to emerging issues. Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the Home Office has withdrawn the Country Policy Information Notes and Guidance relating to Syria.Consequently, as the Home Office continues to assess the current situation in Syria, the Home Office has temporarily paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 16 January 2025 on the Middle East, Official report columns 511-513, what steps his Department is taking to help protect human rights organisations in Palestine, in the context of the killing of Ihab Fisal.

Human Rights are a crucial element underpinning the UK's foreign policy, and civil society organisations play an important role in upholding human rights. Through our aid programmes, we support human rights organisations in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on a range of issues. I regularly meet with civil society organisations, including human rights organisations, to discuss the current humanitarian situation in Gaza.We welcome the agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. It is the first step in ensuring long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region, bringing much-needed stability, but we have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. Gazan civilians must be protected.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK offshore oil and gas industry’s investment in renewable energy.

Making Britain a clean energy superpower is one of the five missions of this Government, and oil and gas companies will have an important role to play in the energy transition. We have begun the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and are moving ahead with new industries including carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen which will attract further private investment. A number of integrated energy companies already invest across a range of clean energy technologies in the UK and elsewhere. The department does not provide a commentary on these investments.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to housing and planning regulations on (a) the Regulator of Social Housing and (b) the regulation of the social housing sector.

The government is committed to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. We are also taking action to ensure that all social homes are safe, warm, and decent, and that tenants are treated with the respect they deserve.This year, we will bring forward Awaab’s Law, consult on a new Decent Homes Standard, and ensure social housing staff have the right skills and experience to deliver quality homes and services.The Regulator of Social Housing has expanded in recent years to reflect changes in the regulatory landscape that affects the social housing sector, including the introduction of a proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024 following the passage of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act.The government remains committed to ensuring it has the resources to deliver on its fundamental objectives. We will continue to engage closely with the Regulator of Social Housing as government continues to deliver on its commitments.

What steps he is taking to help ensure Great British Energy creates jobs in industrial communities.

Through its investment and development activities, Great British Energy (GBE) will support companies to provide opportunities for high quality, well-paid work, in the projects the company supports, in supply chains and in local communities through the Local Power Plan. As an operationally independent company, GBE will choose the projects it supports across the UK. I am confident that the benefits will be felt in local and national economies, including our industrial heartlands. The decision to headquarter GBE in Aberdeen has already given confidence to industry, as Sarens PSG has announced the opening of a Centre of Excellence in Aberdeen that will train wind farm workers.

What steps he is taking to reduce energy bills for businesses.

The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers, including business consumers, permanently. In the short term, the Government wants to provide businesses with better protection from being locked into expensive energy contracts and more redress when they have a complaint. We closed a consultation in November regarding the regulation of Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), such as energy brokers, aimed at enhancing consumer protections, particularly for non-domestic consumers. A government response will follow in due course once all feedback has been reviewed. From 19 December 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees can now access free support to resolve issues with their energy supplier through the Energy Ombudsman. This means that 99% of UK businesses can now access this service, with outcomes ranging up to £20,000 in financial awards. The Government recognises that some businesses may be struggling to pay their bills. These businesses should contact their supplier to discuss their options, including ‘blend and extend’ contracts, where the higher unit rate is blended with a new lower rate, spreading the cost over the course of a long contract.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, if his Department will take steps to help ensure that a substantial increase in humanitarian aid flows into Gaza is included as a condition within a permanent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

We have always been clear that a ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. We must build confidence on all sides that helps sustain a ceasefire and move it into a lasting peace. Crucially, we need to see an immediate surge of aid into Gaza, and we will work with Israel, the UN and all partners to facilitate that. As part of this, we need safe and effective aid distribution, and the protection of the civilian population including ensuring immediate access to healthcare, shelter and food. The UK continues to do all we can to alleviate this suffering. We have provided £112 million this financial year, including £41 million for UNRWA, which is supporting the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Palestinian refugees in the region.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement on the (a) presence and (b) activities of the Israeli Defense Forces in (i) Gaza, (ii) the Golan Heights and (iii) the West Bank.

The announcement of a ceasefire agreement is a moment of hope after over a year of agony. We have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis.   As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 16 January, in the first six-week phase we expect both parties to stop fighting, and Israel to start to redeploy to the edge of the Gaza Strip. The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace.   This government is clear that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) must be upheld, and civilians protected. The Foreign Secretary continues to raise issues of International Humanitarian Law compliance with the Israeli government. We are also clear that we must not lose sight of the serious risk of further instability in the West Bank, which is in no-one's interest. Stability in the West Bank is crucial to ensure that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza can last. All sides should work to ensure a lowering of tension in the West Bank at this time. Israel has said its presence in the buffer zone in the Golan Heights will be limited and temporary, and we have been clear that we expect it to adhere to this commitment. It is longstanding UK policy that the Golan Heights are occupied territory and we do not recognise Israel's annexation of them. Israel's presence in the buffer zone must not become permanent.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) secure a permanent ceasefire agreement and (b) implement the measures needed for post-war reconstruction in Gaza.

We have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis.  As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 16 January, in the first six-week phase we expect both parties to stop fighting, and Israel to start to redeploy to the edge of the Strip. The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace. We have provided a £2 million uplift in 2024/25, through a contribution to the World Bank, to increase the sustainable supply of water and energy in the OPTs, including in Gaza.

What her Department's policy is on Syrian immigrants who have been granted leave to remain status.

Any Syrian nationals who are resident in the UK with valid permission to stay will need to apply for further permission to stay or settle before their current permission to stay expires. For Syrian refugees who apply for settlement protection after five years residency in the UK, in line with published policies, a safe return review will be undertaken to assess whether it is safe for the applicant to return to Syria.For more information on the settlement protection policy, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/settlement-protection-asylum-policy-instruction.

What her policy is on the asylum applications of Palestinian refugees who were formerly residents of Syria and left under the Assad regime.

The Home Office acted swiftly to temporarily pause decisions on Syrian asylum claims whilst we assess the current situation. This includes Syrian nationals as well as those who have previously been habitually resident in Syria.We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues.

What steps she is taking to support British state pensioners residing overseas.

UK State Pensions are payable worldwide, without regard to nationality, based on a person’s National Insurance record. People move abroad for many reasons and may have access to their host country’s benefit system or other sources of income such as an occupational pension. Information about the impact on State Pensions of moving abroad is available on Gov.uk.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of uprating the state pension for British pensioners residing overseas.

No assessment has been made. The UK's policy on the up-rating of the UK State Pension for recipients living overseas is a longstanding one. The UK state pension is payable worldwide without regard to nationality and is uprated abroad where we have a legal requirement to do so, for example in countries with which we have a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating. Up-rating is based on levels of earnings growth and price inflation in the UK which has no direct relevance where the pensioner is resident overseas. Over many years, priority is given to those living in the United Kingdom when drawing up expenditure plans for additional pensioner benefits.