Written questions by Cooper.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 September 2025 to Question 71117 on Immigration: Syria, whether a delay of 30 months to ILR applications for a Syrian national is considered to be within the acceptable level of service for UKVI.

On 11 December 2024, we paused all Syrian asylum interviews and decisions whilst we assessed the country situation. This pause extended to Settlement Protection applications from Syrian nationalsThe pause was a necessary step while there was no stable, objective information available to make robust assessments of risk on return to Syria.On 14 July 2025, we published updated country information which enabled decision making to resume. We are currently processing the large backlog of outstanding applications in line with published policy. For those that were granted refugee status having lodged an asylum claim in the UK, where the basis of the grant of status is affected by the change in circumstances, or where it is unclear, we are writing out to applicants where necessary to gather further evidence to assess these applications, and may interview applicants where necessary to determine if there is an ongoing need for protection.Those who made an in-time application will continue to have their conditions maintained under Section 3C of the Immigration Rules.Settlement is a privilege, not an automatic right, and provides permission to stay in the UK permanently and freedom from immigration control for those who still require protection. All settlement applications are carefully considered on their individual merits, and this includes assessing whether there have been significant changes in country conditions or personal circumstances, which means that an individual no longer needs our protection.In line with our international obligations, we will not remove anyone to their own or any other country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of serious harm.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of replicating the Australian policy of permitting those non-nationals living in the United Kingdom the opportunity to apply for service in the military after one year of residency in the country.

The UK Armed Forces already accept applications from some nationalities if they are a dual national of a permitted nationality. Eligible applicants must be either a British Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, British Protected Person, British Subject, Irish Citizen or a Citizen of a Commonwealth member country, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. This can be as a sole or dual national. The British Army also has the Brigade of Gurkhas who are from Nepal. There is no UK residency requirement for those who are not British or Irish citizens to be eligible to apply to join the Royal Navy or the British Army, but the Royal Air Force normally require eligible candidates to have lived in the UK for between five and ten years prior to application. Members of the Armed Forces are subject to the National Security Vetting process owned by the Cabinet Office, and clearance levels depend on the rank, role and Service applied for. UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) residency and nationality are an integral part of that process, and each application is risk assessed. There are no current plans to change nationality or residency requirements.

If he will take steps to ensure Royal Mail responds to the Hon Member for St Albans and other Hon Members with regards to constituency casework correspondence.

Royal Mail is an independent business. However, I have been assured that it endeavours to respond to all correspondence in a timely manner and to provide a full response to concerns Honourable Members raise, rather than a standard response. Some concerns can, however, take some time to investigate properly.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March to Question 118384 on Hybrid Vehicles: Excise Duties, whether she has considered the potential merits of allowing those PHEV drivers who (a) opt in to doing so and (b) have vehicles with the technical means to record miles driven in electric or petrol mode, to submit accurate returns to allow eVED to be paid only on those miles not already subject to fuel duty.

As announced at Budget 2025, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will be subject to a reduced electric Vehicle Excise Duty rate of 1.5 pence per mile upon its introduction in April 2028 – half the rate that will apply to fully electric cars. This approach recognises that PHEVs have the capacity to drive in either electric or petrol mode and strikes the right balance between fairness, protecting motorists’ privacy and minimising administrative burdens on motorists. The government recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built vehicle telematics, which monitor various driving activities and are viewable by drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or permitted third parties in some cases. The government will not mandate use of these telematics for administering eVED; however, it welcomed views in the consultation on how various types of technologies could be used on an opt-in basis in future to simplify the system and reduce administrative burdens on motorists and businesses. The consultation closed on 18 March 2026. The Government will publish a response in due course.

If she will take steps to introduce a cap on the fees charged by app providers to local authorities for operating the National Parking Platform.

The National Parking Platform is intended to support greater competition and choice by enabling multiple parking app providers to operate across participating local authorities. While the Government is keen to see this system make parking easier for all, pricing decisions relating to the operation of the National Parking Platform are commercial matters for the National Parking Platform, app providers and local authorities. Both local authorities and app providers are represented on the Board of the National Parking Platform as a part of its not-for-profit governance structure.

Whether he has considered the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to require large online retailers to provide a choice of courier or delivery company to consumers when placing orders.

The department currently has no plans to require retailers to offer a choice of delivery couriers to consumers. This is a commercial decision for the business to make. Consumers are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to businesses directly. This encourages businesses to adapt and fairly compete based on demand.Under consumer legislation, the trader is liable if anything goes wrong with the consumer’s parcel including goods arriving in a damaged condition and late or lost deliveries.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 March to Question 119469 on Cancer: Vaccination, how many pharmaceutical companies have been contacted by his Department with details of the expansion of eligibility of the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad since May 2025.

The Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) is a platform that is increasing access and speeding up recruitment to clinical trials for personalised cancer vaccines and other immunotherapies for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. In 2025, the scope of the CVLP was expanded beyond personalised cancer vaccines to also include other immunotherapies. NHS England is responsible for the overall delivery of the CVLP and has contracted the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit to manage the day-to-day delivery of the platform. The platform is designed to be company and clinical trial agnostic so any company can contact the CVLP to explore how the platform can support their research. NHS England hosted a webinar with interested pharmaceutical companies in 2025 after the expansion of the scope had been agreed, and continues to engage with companies through multiple avenues, including working with the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Vaccine Innovation Pathway.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the timeliness of the Information Commissioners Office's responses to complaints about potential breaches of data protection legislation.

While DSIT acts as the ICO’s sponsor department within government, it is an independent regulator and accountable to Parliament. The ICO reports annually to Parliament on its complaints and investigations, and the Information Commissioner can appear before select committees to discuss performance.To address their backlog, the ICO has introduced a new data protection complaints framework that sets out how it assesses each case and determines the extent to which it is appropriate to investigate. This will allow the ICO to review every complaint individually against its criteria, to decide whether they can provide an outcome at this stage or need to investigate it in more detail. This approach is designed to help the ICO focus its resources on the most serious issues, provide more timely outcomes, and support organisations in improving compliance.We will monitor the impact of the increased number of complaints being received by the ICO as part of our regular sponsorship discussions, to ensure the ICO can meet its statutory obligations effectively.

Communities and Local Government, if he will review the adequacy of fire risk assessment requirements for retail premises which stock (a) vapes and (b) other small electricals containing lithium-ion batteries.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a range of legal duties on Responsible Persons (the person in control of a premises which can include building owners, landlords and employers), chief among which is the need to undertake a fire risk assessment. This is to identify any general fire safety precautions that need to be taken to make sure that the premises, and people within it, are safe from fire, and put those precautions in place. To help Responsible Persons discharge their duties, MHCLG makes available a suite of guidance which it is currently reviewing and updating, including the offices and shops guide, so it better reflects current legislation, practice and emerging risks. This update will give consideration to the risks arising from products such as vapes and other small electrical items containing lithium-ion batteries.

What steps she is taking to ensure an adequate number of specialist training places for religious education teachers in Hertfordshire.

There have been noticeable increases in religious education (RE) ITT recruitment recently. Between 2023/24 and 2025/26, postgraduate ITT recruitment for RE increased by 71%. 492 RE trainees started courses in 2025/26, compared to 287 two years ago.We will publish postgraduate initial teacher training (PGITT) recruitment needs for the 2026/27 academic year in due course. PGITT recruitment need is estimated by the teacher workforce model each year, and is used to monitor and measure recruitment for specific subjects. PGITT trainee need is calculated to account for a broad range of factors including historic recruitment, economic forecasts, teacher retention and wider forms of teacher recruitment. The Find teacher training courses website lists training opportunities in England, including 28 RE courses with placement schools in a 10-mile radius of Hertfordshire.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring all communication produced by genAI chatbots in professional settings to be labelled as such.

The government continues to explore the feasibility of technical solutions for the identification of AI-generated content to support transparency.It can be helpful for consumers to understand whether content has been made using AI. We will establish a task force to put forward proposals for government on best practice for labelling AI-generated content, with an interim report to be published in autumn.

Whether civil servants in her Department must submit their resignation in order to obtain a pension retirement quote from the Civil Service Pensions Scheme.

Civil servants in the department must submit an application to retire (leave the Civil Service) before Civil Service Pensions can provide an accurate retirement quote. This allows the scheme administrator to confirm figures based on the member’s final circumstances at the point of exit.

Whether she has considered the potential merits of requiring all staff working in schools to be trained in mental health first aid principles.

To support education staff, the department provides a range of guidance and practical resources on promoting and supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. For example, a resource hub for mental health leads, and a targeted support guide and hub to help choose evidence-based targeted support for pupils.The government has also committed to provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school by expanding mental health support teams, so every child and young person has access to early support to address problems before they escalate.Beyond this, schools have the flexibility to decide what pastoral support and training they provide to best meet the individual needs of their pupils.

With reference to non-statutory guidance entitled First aid in schools, early years and further education updated 14 February 2022, whether she has recently reviewed the adequacy of the number of members of staff in each school who should be first aid trained.

Individual decisions about the provision of first aid training is a matter for early years, schools and colleges as employers. They are best placed to assess the needs of their staff and pupils and to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision. To support this, the department makes available non-statutory guidance, including 'First aid in schools, early years and further education', which sets out the factors that settings should consider when meeting their duties relating to first aid on and off their premises. This guidance is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-aid-in-schools/first-aid-in-schools-early-years-and-further-education.

How many people in each local authority area contacted Citizen’s Advice for help on issues relating to energy provision in each January between 2020 and 2026.

Citizens Advice is not a Government body but a network of independent registered charities. DESNZ therefore does not hold the requested information.

What assessment he has made of the cost-effectiveness of commissioning a MenB vaccination programme through community pharmacy.

The Government is looking to expand the number of vaccines offered in community pharmacies across the country through local, targeted vaccination programmes. This has already started with NHS England commissioning some community pharmacies in the Midlands, North-West, London, and East of England to help deliver the year-round respiratory syncytial virus vaccination programmes to eligible pregnant women, to protect newborns, and adults aged 75 to 79 years old, as well as the year-round Pertussis vaccination programme to eligible pregnant women.NHS England also nationally commissioned community pharmacies to administer flu vaccines for two and three year olds for the first time in autumn 2025. An evaluation will assess whether this use of community pharmacies improves vaccine uptake and helps tackle regional health inequalities, in line with the NHS Vaccination Strategy.The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an expert scientific advisory committee that advises the Government on eligibility for vaccination and immunisation programmes. The JCVI has been consulted on the immediate vaccine response to the outbreak and clinical effectiveness of potential future outbreak response vaccination strategies.On the 17 March my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, also announced to the House of Commons that he would ask the JCVI to review eligibility for meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination. The JCVI will conduct a full assessment of the cost-effectiveness of a routine adolescent MenB vaccination programme and provide a complete and formal response to my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, as soon as practicable.The Department, the UK Health Security Agency, and NHS England will continue to ensure arrangements are in place to ensure that everyone who is eligible for MenB vaccination can access vaccinations via appropriate care routes.

Whether his Department would consider commissioning MenB vaccination programmes through community pharmacy.

The Government is looking to expand the number of vaccines offered in community pharmacies across the country through local, targeted vaccination programmes. This has already started with NHS England commissioning some community pharmacies in the Midlands, North-West, London, and East of England to help deliver the year-round respiratory syncytial virus vaccination programmes to eligible pregnant women, to protect newborns, and adults aged 75 to 79 years old, as well as the year-round Pertussis vaccination programme to eligible pregnant women.NHS England also nationally commissioned community pharmacies to administer flu vaccines for two and three year olds for the first time in autumn 2025. An evaluation will assess whether this use of community pharmacies improves vaccine uptake and helps tackle regional health inequalities, in line with the NHS Vaccination Strategy.The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an expert scientific advisory committee that advises the Government on eligibility for vaccination and immunisation programmes. The JCVI has been consulted on the immediate vaccine response to the outbreak and clinical effectiveness of potential future outbreak response vaccination strategies.On the 17 March my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, also announced to the House of Commons that he would ask the JCVI to review eligibility for meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination. The JCVI will conduct a full assessment of the cost-effectiveness of a routine adolescent MenB vaccination programme and provide a complete and formal response to my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, as soon as practicable.The Department, the UK Health Security Agency, and NHS England will continue to ensure arrangements are in place to ensure that everyone who is eligible for MenB vaccination can access vaccinations via appropriate care routes.

What assessment he has made of the role community pharmacy could play in providing a MenB vaccine catch-up service to students and young people at risk.

The Government is looking to expand the number of vaccines offered in community pharmacies across the country through local, targeted vaccination programmes. This has already started with NHS England commissioning some community pharmacies in the Midlands, North-West, London, and East of England to help deliver the year-round respiratory syncytial virus vaccination programmes to eligible pregnant women, to protect newborns, and adults aged 75 to 79 years old, as well as the year-round Pertussis vaccination programme to eligible pregnant women.NHS England also nationally commissioned community pharmacies to administer flu vaccines for two and three year olds for the first time in autumn 2025. An evaluation will assess whether this use of community pharmacies improves vaccine uptake and helps tackle regional health inequalities, in line with the NHS Vaccination Strategy.The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an expert scientific advisory committee that advises the Government on eligibility for vaccination and immunisation programmes. The JCVI has been consulted on the immediate vaccine response to the outbreak and clinical effectiveness of potential future outbreak response vaccination strategies.On the 17 March my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, also announced to the House of Commons that he would ask the JCVI to review eligibility for meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination. The JCVI will conduct a full assessment of the cost-effectiveness of a routine adolescent MenB vaccination programme and provide a complete and formal response to my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, as soon as practicable.The Department, the UK Health Security Agency, and NHS England will continue to ensure arrangements are in place to ensure that everyone who is eligible for MenB vaccination can access vaccinations via appropriate care routes.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 114995 on Employment: Young People whether young people identified by the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers programme, who do not access benefits, will be able to access a job partly funded by the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers.

For many years our young people have not had the opportunity and support they deserve. Under the last government, between 2021 and 2024, the number of young people not in education, employment or training increased by 250,000. The eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England are testing new ways to identify, engage and support young people who are, or are at risk of becoming, NEET. This includes 18–21‑year‑olds who are not claiming benefits, who can, through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers, access tailored support which connects them to meaningful employment and training opportunities. By bringing together national entitlements with locally tailored provision and working closely with employers, colleges and the voluntary sector, the Trailblazers are helping more young people develop the skills and confidence they need to enter employment and advance their careers. The Youth Guarantee is about reaching all NEET young people, including those outside the benefits system. That is why we recently announced a further £1 billion investment in young people, taking the total investment to £2.5 billion over the next three years though the Youth Guarantee and additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy. This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. This includes the delivery of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England, the expansion of Youth Hubs to more than 360 areas across Great Britain, and the introduction of a new Youth Guarantee Gateway in Jobcentres, providing more intensive support to 16-24 year olds. Youth Hubs offer access to employment and skills support, as well as links to housing and mental health services for young people, including in areas where Youth Guarantee Trailblazers operate, but they are not responsible for delivering the Trailblazer programmes. We will also prioritise prevention – improving support in schools, access to work experience and further education places. This investment will also create around 300,000 more opportunities to gain workplace experience and training. It will also help unlock up to 200,000 more employment opportunities, through a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers who hire 18–24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for over six months, a new £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small and medium sized employers hiring 16–24-year-olds and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, providing long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds with a fully funded six month job. Together these measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to backing young people, supporting employers, and working with partners across Great Britain to create clear pathways into employment and education for all young people. There is currently no Youth Hub in the St Albans area. Youth Hubs will be expanded to 360 areas across Great Britain over the next three years. Young people in areas where Youth Hubs open later in the three-year rollout period, will still receive the full breadth of Youth Guarantee support. They will also continue to benefit from tailored help through the local Jobcentre, and, where appropriate, support from nearby Youth Hubs, so no young person is left without support during the phased rollout.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 114995 on Employment: Young People, where young people from St Albans who are not in receipt of benefits may locate their local Youth Hub to engage with the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers programme.

For many years our young people have not had the opportunity and support they deserve. Under the last government, between 2021 and 2024, the number of young people not in education, employment or training increased by 250,000. The eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England are testing new ways to identify, engage and support young people who are, or are at risk of becoming, NEET. This includes 18–21‑year‑olds who are not claiming benefits, who can, through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers, access tailored support which connects them to meaningful employment and training opportunities. By bringing together national entitlements with locally tailored provision and working closely with employers, colleges and the voluntary sector, the Trailblazers are helping more young people develop the skills and confidence they need to enter employment and advance their careers. The Youth Guarantee is about reaching all NEET young people, including those outside the benefits system. That is why we recently announced a further £1 billion investment in young people, taking the total investment to £2.5 billion over the next three years though the Youth Guarantee and additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy. This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. This includes the delivery of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England, the expansion of Youth Hubs to more than 360 areas across Great Britain, and the introduction of a new Youth Guarantee Gateway in Jobcentres, providing more intensive support to 16-24 year olds. Youth Hubs offer access to employment and skills support, as well as links to housing and mental health services for young people, including in areas where Youth Guarantee Trailblazers operate, but they are not responsible for delivering the Trailblazer programmes. We will also prioritise prevention – improving support in schools, access to work experience and further education places. This investment will also create around 300,000 more opportunities to gain workplace experience and training. It will also help unlock up to 200,000 more employment opportunities, through a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers who hire 18–24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for over six months, a new £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small and medium sized employers hiring 16–24-year-olds and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, providing long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds with a fully funded six month job. Together these measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to backing young people, supporting employers, and working with partners across Great Britain to create clear pathways into employment and education for all young people. There is currently no Youth Hub in the St Albans area. Youth Hubs will be expanded to 360 areas across Great Britain over the next three years. Young people in areas where Youth Hubs open later in the three-year rollout period, will still receive the full breadth of Youth Guarantee support. They will also continue to benefit from tailored help through the local Jobcentre, and, where appropriate, support from nearby Youth Hubs, so no young person is left without support during the phased rollout.