Written questions by Dewhirst.

Pursuant to the answer of 26 November 2025, to Question 91946, on EU Files Forum, on what dates the EU Files Forum has met since July 2024.

The Department for Business and Trade hosted the first official-level EU Files Forum with key UK Business Representative Organisations on 5 June 2025. The Forum meets on a quarterly basis to facilitate a dialogue between government and the UK business community on evolving EU legislation.Since June, the Forum has met on the following dates:• 10 September 2025• 4 December 2025• 5 March 2026

Pursuant to the answer of 10 October 2025, to Question 73334, on Internet: Security, what guidance has the National Protective Security Authority provided on using Virtual Private Networks to other organisations than DSIT.

A summary of the wide variety of guidance provided by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) is available on their website at www.npsa.gov.uk.The national technical authority for cyber security is the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).Their website ww.ncsc.gov.uk provides a range of guidance on cyber security, including on the use of virtual private networks www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/device-security-guidance/infrastructure/virtual-private-networks

With reference to the gender pay gap guidance, "Preparing your data", updated 11 August 2025, what is the definition of a man and woman for the purposes of the reporting requirements.

The current gender pay gap reporting guidance was drafted in order to reduce the burden on business, and be mindful of variations in their data collection processes. We recognise that the terms “male”, “female”, “men” and “women” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a person’s biological sex, and that this has implications for the guidance provided on gender pay gap reporting. As currently set out on the “Preparing your data” guidance page, we are reviewing the relevant section of this guidance. Further updates on this will be provided shortly.

Media and Sport, if she will publish the new policy on copyright assertion.

We have published a progress update on our position on AI and copyright on 15 December 2025. By March 18 2026, we will publish a comprehensive report on the key issues and a full economic impact assessment, alongside the government’s response to the consultation.We remain committed to providing clarity for all stakeholders, and to ensuring that the UK’s copyright framework continues to support the success of our creative industries while fostering the benefits that AI can bring.

Further to the answer of 7 January 2025, to Question 21052, on Gender: public consultation, if she will place the 404 responses in the Library, redacting the names of individuals.

When the call for input on single-sex spaces guidance was commissioned, the previous Government did not seek consent from organisations to publish the responses. Consequently, we will not be placing the responses in the Library. We shared all the submissions that met the criteria of the call for input with the independent EHRC. The EHRC have since concluded their regulatory action, which can be read about here: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/media-centre/ehrc-concludes-regulatory-action-single-sex-space-policies.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 13 May 2025, to Question 50572, on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Artworks, if she will publish the FOI response Ref: FOI2025/05106, of 8 July 2025.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave on 2 February 2026 to Question UIN 107381. FOI response FOI2025/05106 has been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses. Deposited papers are in the public domain and FOI2025/05106 has therefore been published in the deposited papers database on Parliament’s website.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2026, to Question 107382, on Government Art Collection, if she will publish the substantive responses to the 45 FOI requests, redacting the name of the applicant.

The Government Art Collection is a working collection, used across government buildings in the UK and the global estate, which means that artworks may change their display location from time to time. Current locations of artworks in the collection can be found on their website.

Pursuant to the written statement of 21 July 2025, HCWS855, on Events at Orgreave, whether the Chair of the inquiry has provided a declaration of interests, including any declaration of political activity; and what is his remuneration.

Section 17 of the Inquiries Act 2005 requires the Chair of an Inquiry established under the Act to act with fairness and with regard to the need to avoid any unnecessary cost. Once the Orgreave Inquiry is established, it will be expected to publish its costs periodically. Ministers will meet with the Chair to discuss budgets and timetables in more detail once the terms of reference have been published, at which point it will be possible to make more reliable estimates on the inquiry’s time and cost.Under the 2005 Act, there are legal requirements concerning the expertise, balance and impartiality of the Chair. The previous Home Secretary made the decision to appoint the Chair of the Inquiry on the basis of those requirements being met.

Further to the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, 22 December 2025, whether he intends that the UK Government will make additional financial contributions to the European Union as a consequence of the provisions on the use of E-Gates.

No.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the International women and girls strategy 2023 to 2030 remains government policy; and whether she plans to publish an updated strategy.

The Foreign Secretary has made clear that advancing the rights and safety of women and girls around the world will be a top priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the coming years. We are refreshing our international strategic approach on Women and Girls and will set this out in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether changes have been made to the number and location of portraits of (a) Queen Elizabeth II and (b) King Charles III within her Department’s HQ since 4 July 2024.

The official portrait of His Majesty The King resides in the reception area of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office headquarters. On portraits that are part of the Government Art Collection, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 May 2025 in response to Question 52692.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to publish the Human Rights and Democracy Report for (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025.

I refer the Hon Member to my letter to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee on 6 March, in response to her letter of 23 January on this issue.This Government remains firmly committed to the protection and promotion of human rights globally, and to reporting transparently on our actions. We are currently considering the most appropriate form of future reporting on our human rights work.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2026, to Question 103793, on Cabinet Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution, if she will place in the Library a copy of the invoice and receipt from TasteThatLove.

Government Procurement Card spend data is declared in relevant transparency publications.

What the cost was of rebranding Strategic Command to Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.

The transition from UK Strategic Command (UKStratCom) to Cyber and Strategic Operations Command (CSOC) was executed with a strong emphasis on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Up-front CSOC visual identity changes have currently incurred no additional cost by utilising pre-approved Ministry of Defence branding. Most signage updates were completed at no additional expense through existing contracts, whilst specific Northwood Headquarters signage changes cost £5,245.50. Additionally, staff lanyards were procured for £1,075. The total expenditure to date of £6,320.50 reflects an investment that ensures the Command’s identity aligns with its mission to integrate cyber and electromagnetic capabilities, balanced against ensuring value for money.There is an expectation that some further branding may take place in Financial Year 2026-27, with a potential for a new logo and more signage changes, however these costs have not yet been scoped.

Pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2026, to Question 105915, on Katie Martin, for what reason her adviser is unpaid.

I refer the hon member to my answer of 3 March 2026, to PQ UIN 114888.

What is the current policy of HM Courts & Tribunals Service on ensuring its courts facilities for (a) the public and (b) staff are compliant with the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland v. The Scottish Ministers regarding the meaning of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) works to ensure its facilities comply with equalities law, in relation to the interpretation of sex under the Equality Act 2010.HMCTS is presently awaiting updated cross-government guidance from the Office for Equality and Opportunity.

Pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026, to Question 105913, on Revenue and Customs: Social Media, if she will name the social media influencers who were used, including their social media handles.

The social media influencers used across all of these campaigns were commissioned and managed by a specialist agency, who identify, contract and oversee creators on HMRC's behalf based on the objectives set for reaching and engaging with specific audiences.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2026 to Question 101383 on Government Actuary’s Department: Freedom of Information, what the cash terms monetary cost to the UK is of the Chagos Islands deal before the application of the assumed GDP deflator rate and social time discounting.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 February in response to Question 108232.

Pursuant to the answer of 17 November 2025, to Question 88685, on Coinage: Design, on what dates the Committee and Sub-Committee have met since July 2024; and what changes have been made to coinage theme and design policy since July 2024.

Following the conclusion of each financial year, the Royal Mint Advisory Committee publishes its annual report on the Royal Mint Museum website. These reports contain detail on when the Committee and the Sub-Committee on the selection of themes met over the financial year and themes that were recommended to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in her capacity as Master of the Mint and HM The King. The annual report for 2024-25 can be found here: www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/siteassets/about-us/rmac-annual-report-2024-25.pdf The annual report for 2025-26 will be published later this year. All designs for the themes recommended by the Committee can be found on The Royal Mint website, here: Coin Designs and Specifications | The Royal Mint

Further to the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, 22 December 2025, whether he intends that the UK Government will make additional financial contributions to the European Union as a consequence of the new provisions on (a) reinforced law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and (b) judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters.

The Government has agreed that when the UK participates in an EU instrument, programme or other activity, the UK will make a fair financial contribution to cover the costs of our participation. No decisions have yet been taken as to whether the UK will make additional financial contributions to the European Union as a consequence of the new provisions set out in the Common Understanding of 19 May 2025 on a) reinforced law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and (b) judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters. Any decisions on such matters will be assessed in accordance with Government Accounting Officer rules, including value for money. The UK Government remains committed to close and effective collaboration with EU and EFTA countries in these matters.