27 Oct 2025·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhen she expects to receive the Payments Forward Plan under the National Payments Vision.
ReplyThe Terms of Reference for the Payments Vision Delivery Committee set out the Payments Forward Plan will be published by the end of this year. This will set out a sequenced plan of initiatives across the wider UK payments ecosystem.
27 Oct 2025·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedWhether her Department plans to review the National Road Traffic Projection before the end of 2026.
ReplyWe continue to update our Transport Analysis Guidance at 6 month intervals for those preparing business cases; this includes regular updates to some of the parameters that affect transport including GDP and fuel prices. We will consider reviewing the NRTPs in the near future.
27 Oct 2025·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedWhat differences there are between the (a) contact due to end in March 2027 and (b) the new contract for services provided by the Post Office.
ReplyThe Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) current contract with Post Office Ltd to provide a limited range of DVLA services ends in March 2027. A procurement for a new contract is being prepared, the requirements for which are still being considered. This will be an open competition and will be open to any eligible bidders in the market.
27 Oct 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedHow many and what proportion of people aged 75 years and over have requested a bowel screening kit by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline in the last two years.
ReplyThe National Health Service bowel cancer screening programme’s published data for 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2024 shows that 396,325 people self-referred or opted back into the programme within the year. This includes ‘over-age self-referrals’, those aged 75 years old and over who are not invited routinely, and also ‘late responder self-referrals’ who have not responded to the initial invitation but have later chosen to participate. This data cannot be disaggregated into each of the categories listed. This data is provided in the Bowel cancer screening standards data report 2022/23 and the Bowel cancer screening standards data report 2023/24, which are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-annual-report-2022-to-2023/bowel-cancer-screening-standards-data-report-2022-23https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-annual-report-2023-to-2024/bowel-cancer-screening-standards-data-report-2023-24Additional unpublished data available to the programme shows that for this time period, from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2024, 224,665 requests were made for self-referrals from individuals who are aged 75 years old and over. We are unable to identify if all of these requests were made via the bowel screening helpline. The total number of people aged 75 years old and over is 5,736,072, sourced from the Patients Registered at a GP Practice, October 2025 dataset, which is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/patients-registered-at-a-gp-practice/october-2025
24 Oct 2025·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 51109 on UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland, how many species are scheduled to have their prohibition lifted by 31 December 2025.
ReplyDefra has submitted technical dossiers to the European Commission seeking derogations for 45 species of plants from the EU's prohibitions on entry for high-risk plants. 35 of these have been successful to date, subject to specific conditions being met. The remaining 10 applications are under review by the Commission. Their up-to-date status can be found here: Export of high risk plants to the EU - UK Plant Health Information Portal
22 Oct 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedWhen he last met representatives of the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign.
ReplyThe previous Minister for Pensions met with representatives from WASPI on 5th September 2024 to hear their experiences directly, the first Minister to do so in eight years.
22 Oct 2025·Home Office·Answered
AskedHow many people have been (a) prosecuted, and (b) convicted as a result of Operation Gull in Northern Ireland since 2010.
ReplyTo maintain the highest standards of accuracy, the Home Office prefers to refer to published data, as this has been subject to rigorous quality assurance under National Statistics protocols prior to publication. Information about convictions as a result of Operation Gull is not available in our published data.Our published national data on enforcement activity is available at the following link and includes data on detected irregular arrivals to the UK Immigration system statistics, year ending June 2025 - GOV.UK
22 Oct 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will hold discussions with the UN on its estimate of the number of rocket attacks into Israel in the 12 months before and since 7 October 2023.
ReplyThe UK Government has consistently condemned the rocket attacks launched by Hamas and other terror groups at civilian populations within Israel, both before and after the horrors of October 7 2023. Those attacks reinforce our determination that there will be no place for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine, as we continue working with international partners to support the US peace plan. We also condemn the Iranian attacks which saw Iran fire over 600 rockets, missiles and drones since October 7, leading to the deaths of 29 Israelis. I equally condemn the Houthi attacks, which have targeted Israeli civilians with over 100 ballistic missiles and drones.
22 Oct 2025·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·Answered
AskedInnovation and Technology, what assistance the Innovate UK Business Growth Delivery Programme offers to small businesses in Northern Ireland.
ReplyInnovate UK Business Growth supports innovation-driven businesses with high growth potential to reach scale in Northern Ireland - where it has supported 424 businesses to date - and across the UK by connecting a locally based innovation and growth specialist to act as a coach for suitable companies. By offering bespoke, sustained 1:1 support, Innovate UK Business Growth helps companies make faster progress towards their objectives as a business, and provides advice and access to the resources that can help them to grow and scale.
22 Oct 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it her Department's policy to utilise frozen Libyan assets to compensate victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism.
ReplyLibyan assets were frozen under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 to prevent their misuse, with the aim of preserving them for the future benefit of the Libyan people. Therefore, these frozen assets cannot be used to compensate victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. The UK Government has profound sympathy for victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism and all victims of the Troubles, and will continue to look for opportunities to press the Libyan authorities to address the Libyan State's historic responsibility.
21 Oct 2025·Ministry of Justice·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 70325 on Ministry of Justice: Translation Services, what estimate she has made of the proportion of the spending between 2021 and 2024 that was attributable to people who have arrived in the UK since 2021.
ReplyAs this personal data is not collected in relation to the translation contract, the requested information cannot be provided.
21 Oct 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedHow often the UK National Screening Committee met in 2024; and in what format it met.
ReplyThe UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) usually meets three times a year. In 2024 the UK NSC met twice, firstly in March, in an online format, and again in November, in person with online facilities available. The June meeting did not take place as it fell in between the pre-election period of 25 May to 4 July ahead of the United Kingdom general election. Information about the UK NSC’s meetings and minutes can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-nsc-meetings-and-minutes
21 Oct 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat progress he is making on finding (a) a cure and (b) improved treatments for people with Huntingtons disease.
ReplyWe recognise the significant challenges faced by those living with rare diseases such as Huntington’s disease. Although there is currently no cure for the disease, there are efforts to ensure that innovative treatments and research opportunities reach patients and improve outcomes for those affected by Huntington’s disease. The Department supports research into Huntington’s disease through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR invests not only in individual studies but also in world-class research centres, a dedicated delivery workforce, and specialist facilities across the National Health Service. This infrastructure supports pioneering research into Huntington's, including the positive preliminary results for a novel gene therapy reported last month. The NIHR’s Be Part of Research service helps people find and participate in relevant research. There are eight Huntington’s disease studies currently recruiting.The UK Rare Diseases Framework identifies four main priorities, including improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. In February 2025, we published the England annual action plan, which outlines the steps we have taken to advance this priority.
21 Oct 2025·Home Office·Answered
AskedWhen she next plans to publish guidance on the (a) implementation and (b) enforcement of the electronic travel authorisation in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.
ReplyThe electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme is fully implemented for non-visa national visitors to the UK. There were 13.4 million ETAs granted since the introduction of the scheme up to the end of June 2025.We expect carriers to begin enforcement of the scheme in early 2026 and will consider whether the existing guidance for visitors or the industry requires updating nearer that time.
21 Oct 2025·House of Commons Commission·Answered
AskedRepresenting the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will take steps to ensure that the (a) timeline and (b) criteria for heating being resumed on the parliamentary estate in the autumn is reviewed in time for autumn 2026.
ReplyHeating and cooling across the Parliamentary Estate is managed centrally in accordance with the Parliamentary Heating and Cooling Protocol. This outlines timelines and criteria for when heating should be operational. A review of the existing protocol will be implemented ahead of the 2026 heating season, and the Administration Committee is regularly consulted on issues in relation to heating and cooling.The existing operational protocol is designed to balance occupant comfort, energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability, while remaining compliant with legal requirements and industry best practice, including guidance from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).The age and heritage status of many Parliamentary buildings makes the maintenance of consistent internal temperatures challenging. This is a particular issue in the Palace of Westminster which has a complex steam system which requires relatively intensive maintenance.The approach used on the Parliamentary Estate is a common approach used for large Estates which balances occupant comfort and environmental impact as well as fuel cost and plant usage/maintenance impact.Heating operation is based on sustained external temperature forecasts provided by the Met Office. This year and in previous years, heating was activated when the external temperature was expected to remain below 16°C for a full week. This condition has been met and the heating to the Palace of Westminster and all buildings across the Estate is now operational. For 2026 the protocol review will recommend that the heating in the Palace of Westminster will be switched on after three days of temperatures sustained below 16°C to reflect the unique nature of the building. The remainder of the Estate will fall under the existing provision (16°C for one week).Heating is deactivated in Spring when temperatures are expected to remain above 16°C for a full week during occupied hours. This typically occurs in early April but dates can vary.This year, the House Administration has proactively planned for Winter heating to reduce faults and downtime experienced in recent seasons. This includes proactive attempts to identify problems on the Northern Estate, in addition to the Palace.During the last year, extensive work to repair and replace components at risk of breakdown or replace full heating systems has been completed. This has included:a) Installation of a brand new boiler system in Norman Shaw South (which is expected to be complete and operational by end of October)b) Installation of a brand new boiler system in 1 Parliament Streetc) Installation of a brand new boiler system in Richmond Housed) An extensive programme to replace pipework or complete repairs to the heating system in the Palace of Westminster
20 Oct 2025·Home Office·Answered
AskedIf she will hold discussions with her European counterparts on removing requirements for (a) proof of accommodation, (b) evidence of sufficient funds, (c) proof of medical insurance and (d) proof of a return ticket from the EU's Entry-Exit System for UK based travellers.
ReplyThe government will continue to engage the European Commission and member states on their plans to implement the Entry/Exit System.Questions asked to passengers as part of the new system are ultimately operational matters for the Commission and member states.
15 Oct 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's report entitled SACN statement on the WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners: summary, published on 2 April 2025.
ReplyIn its statement, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concluded that the evidence of a risk to health from consuming non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) is inconsistent. It also made a precautionary recommendation that intakes of NSS be minimised. With greater certainty of the impact of sugars on health, the SACN recommended that “swapping sugars for NSS may help reduce sugar intake from foods and drinks (and so reduce energy intake), at least in the short term. The long-term goal is to limit both sugar and NSS intake”.A number of Government policies encourage businesses to reduce sugar levels in products. As a result of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, the sugar levels of the drinks included within the levy have reduced by nearly half, or 47% specifically, and through other policies reductions of approximately 15% have been seen in breakfast cereals, with reductions of over 13% and approximately 7% also having been seen in yogurts and ice creams, respectively. Sugar levels in pre-packed milk-based drinks have also reduced by approximately 32%.For the levy, the sugar that has been removed has largely been replaced with sweeteners, although this is not the case for all of the drinks included in the scope of the levy where sugar levels have been reduced. Sweeteners have not been used in food products to such a great extent, which is generally due to legislative or business-related restrictions, the latter largely arising because of consumer concerns around their usage.It is ultimately up to businesses to decide if and the extent to which they use sweeteners in their products, where these are permitted for use. It is recognised, however, that there are benefits to not replacing the sugar removed with sweeteners as these maintain a highly sweet taste in a product, rather than allowing palates to adapt to having less sugar in food and drink.
14 Oct 2025·Scotland Office·Answered
AskedIf he will hold discussions with Scottish football authorities on the display of banners supporting deceased supporters of terrorism at football grounds.
ReplyEveryone has the right to support their football club but they must do so in line with the law. Investigations into potential offences are a matter for Police Scotland.All clubs across Scotland have a responsibility to ensure that football is, as it should be, a force for good.
14 Oct 2025·Department for Culture, Media and Sport·Answered
AskedMedia and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 76809 on Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Public Bodies, how many appointments have been made to each of the respective Boards of her Department's public bodies since July 2024.
ReplySince 10 July 2024, 121 regulated appointments and reappointments have been made to the Boards of the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s public bodies. This data only includes regulated appointments made to relevant boards as listed in the Public Appointments Order in Council 2019. Board NameNumberBoard NameNumberAdvisory Council on National Records and Archives8National Citizenship Service2Arts Council England4Royal Armouries1British Museum12Royal Museums Greenwich3British Tourist Authority4S4C6Charity Commission4Sport England4Departmental Non-Executive Directors2Sports Ground Safety Authority1Historic England3Tate7Historic Royal Palaces3The National Archives3Horniman Museum and Gardens3The National Lottery Community Fund4Horserace Betting Levy Board1The Royal Parks3Imperial War Museum4Theatres Trust4Independent Football Regulator3Treasure Valuation Committee5Museum of the Home4UK Anti-Doping3National Gallery4UK Sport2National Museums Liverpool1Victoria & Albert Museum7National Portrait Gallery1Visit England Advisory Board3Natural History Museum2
14 Oct 2025·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhat her planned timetable is for responding to Question 76810 of 12 September 2025 on Confucius Institutes.
ReplyThe response to Written Parliamentary Question 76810 was published on 15 October 2025.