Written questions by Law.

On what date his Department instructed assessment providers to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new claims over reassessments of existing claimants.

It is well-established government policy to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new benefit claims to determine their capability for work at the earliest possible opportunity. Reassessments occur when there is capacity in the system which has been limited due to an increase in demand for WCAs for new benefit claims. As a result, over recent months, reassessments have not been done in large numbers. We are aware of delays in reassessing cases where the claimant has advised us that their health condition has worsened. We understand that this is a very important issue. This is why we are putting in place a process to expedite the reassessment of these cases. The government has made it clear in the Pathways to Work Green Paper that we will turn on WCA reassessments at scale as we build capacity to do so. We continue to work on options to make the WCA process more efficient and responsive, which includes accelerating healthcare professional recruitment to increase capacity for reassessments

When he last had discussions with customs officials responsible for administering Import Licences under the Open General Impost Licence criteria.

The Open General Import Licence is administered by the Department for Business and Trade. Officials from the Department for Business and Trade maintain regular engagement with HMRC officials to ensure the proper application of the Open General Import Licence regime. These discussions support ongoing efforts to uphold UK trade policy, legal obligations, and compliance with customs procedures.

What the total value of UK trade with Israel has been since 4 July 2024.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 4th September is attached.

When he last conducted an assessment of the Open General Import Licence criteria to ensure that the Import Licences do not permit the importation of illegal settlement goods from the Occupied West Bank.

The Government keeps the Open General Import Licence under review to ensure it aligns with UK trade and national security priorities, and our international obligations. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

If he will confirm that the Open General Import License does not permit the importation of illegal Settlement Goods from the Occupied West Bank.

The Open General Import Licence does not prohibit the importation of goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

Whether he has conducted an assessment of the potential impact of the Israeli E1 settlement plan on the requirement under the Open General Impost Licence not to import goods from the illegally Occupied West Bank.

The UK strongly opposes the Israeli government's E1 settlement plans, which would divide a future Palestinian state in two and mark a flagrant breach of international law. The Israeli government must reverse this decision. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help support owners of homes impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete which were sold by local authorities.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in residential buildings on (a) homeowners and (b) tenants.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with insurance providers to homeowners impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) local authorities on providing support to help tackle reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in residential buildings.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with mortgage providers to homeowners impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

If she will extend Skilled Worker visa eligibility for overseas students in the UK training for Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3-5 dental qualifications prior to 22 July 2025.

On 12 May, we published our Immigration White Paper, outlining our future approach to legal migration routes. We have now made Immigration Rules changes to bring the first of these reforms into effect. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a vital role within our dentistry teams and are highly valued members of the workforce, but the SOC code they are part of is recognised as a medium skilled group. Those already in these medium skilled roles, RQF 3 to 5, made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July, can extend their visas. New applicants must meet the new degree level skills threshold. Those coming to the UK as students should be aware that this does not guarantee them future employment or extensions to their immigration permission. The Graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a set period after completing their studies. It does not guarantee progression to the Skilled Worker route, for which an individual would need to find higher skilled, higher salaried employment after graduation and meet the requirements in place at the time they make their Skilled Worker application.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3-5 dental professionals from the list of Skilled Worker Visa eligible sponsored roles on (a) dental professionals working in the UK on Skilled Worker visas and (b) overseas students in the UK training for those qualifications.

On 12 May, we published our Immigration White Paper, outlining our future approach to legal migration routes. We have now made Immigration Rules changes to bring the first of these reforms into effect. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a vital role within our dentistry teams and are highly valued members of the workforce, but the SOC code they are part of is recognised as a medium skilled group. Those already in these medium skilled roles, RQF 3 to 5, made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July, can extend their visas. New applicants must meet the new degree level skills threshold. Those coming to the UK as students should be aware that this does not guarantee them future employment or extensions to their immigration permission. The Graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a set period after completing their studies. It does not guarantee progression to the Skilled Worker route, for which an individual would need to find higher skilled, higher salaried employment after graduation and meet the requirements in place at the time they make their Skilled Worker application.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3-5 dental professionals from the list of Skilled Worker Visa eligible sponsored roles on the UK dental workforce.

On 12 May, we published our Immigration White Paper, outlining our future approach to legal migration routes. We have now made Immigration Rules changes to bring the first of these reforms into effect. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a vital role within our dentistry teams and are highly valued members of the workforce, but the SOC code they are part of is recognised as a medium skilled group. Those already in these medium skilled roles, RQF 3 to 5, made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July, can extend their visas. New applicants must meet the new degree level skills threshold. Those coming to the UK as students should be aware that this does not guarantee them future employment or extensions to their immigration permission. The Graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a set period after completing their studies. It does not guarantee progression to the Skilled Worker route, for which an individual would need to find higher skilled, higher salaried employment after graduation and meet the requirements in place at the time they make their Skilled Worker application.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the removal of RQF Level 3-5 dental professionals from the list of Skilled Worker Visa eligible sponsored roles on patient access to dental care.

Dentists, dental surgeons, dental therapists and other dental practitioners, including orthodontists, meet the raised skills threshold of Regulation Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 or above and continue to remain eligible for the Skilled Worker visa.Those individuals already in the Skilled Worker route in dental professional roles at RQF 3 to 5, who have a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025, can continue to work and extend their visas as long as they meet occupation salary thresholds. However, as these roles do not meet the new skills threshold of RQF level 6 or above, new visa applicants after 22 July are not eligible.The numbers recruited from overseas into the dental professions are relatively low when compared to other healthcare professions such as nurses or doctors. In the second quarter of 2025, 29 dental nurses and 38 medical and dental technicians (including, though not exclusively, dental hygienists) were granted Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visas.

What information her Department holds on the number of children in the Dundee City Council local authority area that live in households (a) in receipt of (i) Universal Credit and (ii) Child Tax Credit and (b) that include three or more children and do not receive the child element amount for at least one child.

The Department publishes Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit claimants: statistics related to the policy to provide support for a maximum of 2 children, with the latest statistics available to April 2025. The accompanying tables provide breakdowns by country, region, local authority and parliamentary constituency. Child Tax Credit closed in April 2025

How many children in Dundee Central constituency are in households in receipt of (a) Universal Credit and (b) Child Tax Credit with three or more children that are not receiving a child element for at least one child.

The Department publishes Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit claimants: statistics related to the policy to provide support for a maximum of 2 children, with the latest statistics available to April 2025. The accompanying tables provide breakdowns by country, region, local authority and parliamentary constituency. Child Tax Credit closed in April 2025

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Azerbaijani counterpart on private sector investment by UK companies in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Government is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and supporting British businesses overseas. During my visit to Baku on the 24 and 25 August, I discussed economic cooperation and commercial opportunities across Azerbaijan with President Aliyev, Foreign Minister Bayramov, and UK businesses operating in Azerbaijan. This Government's growth mission places an emphasis on unlocking opportunities for UK companies in emerging markets, including the South Caucasus. We continue to encourage responsible investment that supports growth in alignment with regional stability and international legal obligations.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department supports the right of return for Armenians ethnically cleansed from Nagorno-Karabakh.

It is essential that Azerbaijan makes its recovered territories safe for the return of its own internally displaced population and provides clarity on the rights and security of ethnic Armenians who wish to return. To this end, we strongly welcome the initialling of a peace agreement and the signing of a joint declaration by President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan on 8 August in Washington, and commend President Trump's role in securing this breakthrough. The UK stands ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan in securing long-term peace, stability, and prosperity for the South Caucasus - I discussed how the UK could do this in practical terms with both leaders during my visit to Baku and Yerevan on 25 and 26 August respectively.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he plans to take to ensure safe passage for students in Gaza due to commence university programmes in the UK.

We are working urgently to support Chevening Scholars in Gaza who have offers from British universities to leave and take up their places in the UK. The Government is working through options on how best to support other students with scholarships to take up their places at UK universities this academic year, in the context of an extremely challenging situation on the ground in Gaza.