Written questions by Stafford.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the targeting of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to question 70115.

What assessment she has made of the compatibility of the Socialist Workers Party with the criteria for proscription.

To proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary must have a reasonable belief that it is currently concerned in terrorism, and it must be necessary and proportionate to do so. This means the organisation participates or commits; prepares for; promotes, encourages, or unlawfully glorifies; or is in some way otherwise concerned in terrorism. The Home Secretary may then exercise her discretion to proscribe an organisation and will consider all the relevant factors in deciding whether to do so.It is our long-standing policy not to comment on intelligence and security matters, including whether or not an organisation is under consideration for proscription.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of Community Infrastructure Levy in the Borough of Waverley on the supply of new (a) residential and (b) commercial premises in that borough.

My Department has made no such an assessment.

Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to implement the same rules on (a) binding contracts and (b) upfront information in property transactions as are in place in Scotland.

On 6 October 2025, the government published two consultations outlining reform proposals to transform home buying and selling. They can be found on gov.uk here and here. The consultations include proposals to require sellers and estate agents to provide upfront property information and to support binding contracts. Final decisions are subject to the outcome of these consultations.

If she will take steps to ensure the Curriculum review includes a focus on practical financial skills.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review's final report was published on 5 November. As part of its focus on preparing learners for a changing world, the Review has recommended updating or strengthening five areas of applied knowledge: financial literacy, media literacy, digital literacy, oracy and climate education.The government’s response to the Review’s report was published on the same day. Through our reforms, children will be better prepared for the modern world.Improved financial literacy, taught from an early age, will help children and young people master money skills. The department will do this by making citizenship compulsory in key stages 1 and 2. Additionally, references to financial education in the mathematics and citizenship programmes of study will be strengthened, and the relevant content sequenced appropriately, so that content can then be applied to practical situations, contexts, and problems. We will ensure that key concepts relevant to financial education, such as calculating interest, are first introduced in mathematics.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact on household costs in the event that the freeze on fuel duty is lifted in the November budget.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26. The temporary 5p cut is scheduled to expire in March 2026. The Government carefully considers the impact of fuel duty on households and businesses, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events.

What plans her Department has to review the future of the fuel duty freeze.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26. The temporary 5p cut is scheduled to expire in March 2026. The Government carefully considers the impact of fuel duty on households and businesses, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events.

What measures are in place to protect older and non-digital customers from losing access to in-person banking following Lloyds Bank branch closures.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and rural areas and is committed to championing sufficient access, including for older and digitally excluded customers. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place reasonable alternatives. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Firms are not able to close cash facilities, including bank branches, until any additional cash services identified as needed in the relevant assessment are available. Customers can access everyday banking services in a range of ways that suit their needs. This includes telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches and banking hubs. This mix of options helps ensure that people, particularly those who are less digitally engaged, can continue to manage their money confidently and securely. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Decisions about what services are available at the Post Office, such as cheque deposits, are made by the banks as part of their commercial arrangements. While there has been a decline in overall cheque volumes, they continue to be used by many individuals, charities and businesses. In addition to traditional deposit methods, cheques can also be deposited digitally via mobile apps using cheque imaging technology. Beyond banking hubs and Post Office services, some banks provide further points of access through initiatives like pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports these initiatives.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure continued access to (a) cheque deposits and (b) other essential banking services for customers affected by branch closures.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and rural areas and is committed to championing sufficient access, including for older and digitally excluded customers. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place reasonable alternatives. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Firms are not able to close cash facilities, including bank branches, until any additional cash services identified as needed in the relevant assessment are available. Customers can access everyday banking services in a range of ways that suit their needs. This includes telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches and banking hubs. This mix of options helps ensure that people, particularly those who are less digitally engaged, can continue to manage their money confidently and securely. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Decisions about what services are available at the Post Office, such as cheque deposits, are made by the banks as part of their commercial arrangements. While there has been a decline in overall cheque volumes, they continue to be used by many individuals, charities and businesses. In addition to traditional deposit methods, cheques can also be deposited digitally via mobile apps using cheque imaging technology. Beyond banking hubs and Post Office services, some banks provide further points of access through initiatives like pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports these initiatives.

Whether the Government plans to require banks to maintain (a) Post Office facilities, (b) local banking hubs and (c) alternative physical banking services such when branches are closed.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and rural areas and is committed to championing sufficient access, including for older and digitally excluded customers. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place reasonable alternatives. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Firms are not able to close cash facilities, including bank branches, until any additional cash services identified as needed in the relevant assessment are available. Customers can access everyday banking services in a range of ways that suit their needs. This includes telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches and banking hubs. This mix of options helps ensure that people, particularly those who are less digitally engaged, can continue to manage their money confidently and securely. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Decisions about what services are available at the Post Office, such as cheque deposits, are made by the banks as part of their commercial arrangements. While there has been a decline in overall cheque volumes, they continue to be used by many individuals, charities and businesses. In addition to traditional deposit methods, cheques can also be deposited digitally via mobile apps using cheque imaging technology. Beyond banking hubs and Post Office services, some banks provide further points of access through initiatives like pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports these initiatives.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken with international counterparts to ensure the protection of Christian communities in Somalia.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 6 August to Question 68009.

Whether the Government plans to strengthen the enforcement and delivery of financial education across all types of schools.

On 5 November, the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review published its final report which includes recommendations for a refreshed curriculum and assessment system in England. The government responded to this report. The response includes a commitment to strengthen pupils’ foundational understanding of financial education in mathematics and citizenship, with digital resources to support teaching.Work is now underway to deliver a new curriculum and assessment system that is ambitious for every child, rich in knowledge and strong on skills.The government is legislating so that academies will be required to teach the reformed national curriculum, alongside maintained schools. This will give parents certainty over the core of their child’s education.

Whether the ongoing Curriculum Review will include a focus on expanding or deepening the teaching of practical financial skills for pupils.

On 5 November, the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review published its final report which includes recommendations for a refreshed curriculum and assessment system in England. The government responded to this report. The response includes a commitment to strengthen pupils’ foundational understanding of financial education in mathematics and citizenship, with digital resources to support teaching.Work is now underway to deliver a new curriculum and assessment system that is ambitious for every child, rich in knowledge and strong on skills.The government is legislating so that academies will be required to teach the reformed national curriculum, alongside maintained schools. This will give parents certainty over the core of their child’s education.

What assessment the Government has made of the effect on rural and elderly populations of increasing reliance on online banking.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and rural areas and is committed to championing sufficient access, including for older and digitally excluded customers. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place reasonable alternatives. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Firms are not able to close cash facilities, including bank branches, until any additional cash services identified as needed in the relevant assessment are available. Customers can access everyday banking services in a range of ways that suit their needs. This includes telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches and banking hubs. This mix of options helps ensure that people, particularly those who are less digitally engaged, can continue to manage their money confidently and securely. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Decisions about what services are available at the Post Office, such as cheque deposits, are made by the banks as part of their commercial arrangements. While there has been a decline in overall cheque volumes, they continue to be used by many individuals, charities and businesses. In addition to traditional deposit methods, cheques can also be deposited digitally via mobile apps using cheque imaging technology. Beyond banking hubs and Post Office services, some banks provide further points of access through initiatives like pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports these initiatives.

What discussions the Government has had with Lloyds Bank on (a) the closure of branches in (i) Haslemere, (ii) Petersfield, and (iii) Godalming and (b) the effect of those closures on local communities.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and rural areas and is committed to championing sufficient access, including for older and digitally excluded customers. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 180 are already open. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place reasonable alternatives. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Firms are not able to close cash facilities, including bank branches, until any additional cash services identified as needed in the relevant assessment are available. Customers can access everyday banking services in a range of ways that suit their needs. This includes telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches and banking hubs. This mix of options helps ensure that people, particularly those who are less digitally engaged, can continue to manage their money confidently and securely. The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Decisions about what services are available at the Post Office, such as cheque deposits, are made by the banks as part of their commercial arrangements. While there has been a decline in overall cheque volumes, they continue to be used by many individuals, charities and businesses. In addition to traditional deposit methods, cheques can also be deposited digitally via mobile apps using cheque imaging technology. Beyond banking hubs and Post Office services, some banks provide further points of access through initiatives like pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving remote areas. The Government supports these initiatives.

Whether she has had discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority on improving guidance for debt purchasers on responding to disclosures of consumer vulnerability.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is responsible for the regulation of firms carrying out debt purchasing activities in respect to credit or consumer hire agreements. The FCA expects that these firms treat customers fairly, including those in vulnerable circumstances. Under the FCA’s Consumer Duty, firms are required to take steps to identify and respond to signs of vulnerability, support customers to disclose their needs, and make them aware of available assistance.In March 2025, the FCA published examples of good and poor practice, identifying areas for improvement in how firms deliver good outcomes for customers in vulnerable circumstances. When an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is completed, it is the responsibility of the Insolvency Practitioner to inform Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) of the completion. Additionally, debt purchasers who report to CRAs are expected to update the credit information they provide to reflect payments made towards debts that formed parts of the IVA. CRAs also receive public data on IVAs from the Individual Insolvency Register, which is maintained by the Insolvency Service, and retain this information for six years from the date the IVA was approved.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of regulatory oversight of debt purchasing companies in ensuring that credit reference data is updated promptly following the completion of an Individual Voluntary Arrangement.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is responsible for the regulation of firms carrying out debt purchasing activities in respect to credit or consumer hire agreements. The FCA expects that these firms treat customers fairly, including those in vulnerable circumstances. Under the FCA’s Consumer Duty, firms are required to take steps to identify and respond to signs of vulnerability, support customers to disclose their needs, and make them aware of available assistance.In March 2025, the FCA published examples of good and poor practice, identifying areas for improvement in how firms deliver good outcomes for customers in vulnerable circumstances. When an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is completed, it is the responsibility of the Insolvency Practitioner to inform Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) of the completion. Additionally, debt purchasers who report to CRAs are expected to update the credit information they provide to reflect payments made towards debts that formed parts of the IVA. CRAs also receive public data on IVAs from the Individual Insolvency Register, which is maintained by the Insolvency Service, and retain this information for six years from the date the IVA was approved.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of excluding (a) household members and (b) carers from eligibility for covid-19 vaccinations on clinically extremely vulnerable people.

The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 through vaccination, as guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The primary aim of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme remains the prevention of serious illness, involving hospitalisations and deaths, arising from COVID-19.In its advice for autumn 2024, the JCVI advised that in the era of highly transmissible Omicron sub-variants, any protection offered by the vaccine against transmission of infection from one person to another is expected to be extremely limited. Therefore, the indirect benefits of vaccination, namely vaccinating an individual such as a carer or household member to reduce the risk of severe disease in other people, are less evident now compared with previous years. Accordingly, in line with JCVI advice, carers were not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination in autumn 2024.In line with the JCVI advice, the autumn 2025 programme is focused on targeted vaccination of the oldest adults, namely those aged 75 years old and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals who are immunosuppressed. These are the groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease, including mortality. Any carer or household member who is eligible for vaccination through age or immunosuppression is encouraged to take up the offer of vaccination.

Whether his Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment for the covid-19 autumn vaccination eligibility criteria for households containing clinically extremely vulnerable people.

The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 through vaccination, as guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).In line with JCVI advice, the autumn 2025 programme is focussed on targeted vaccination of those aged 75 years old and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals who are immunosuppressed. These are the groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease, including mortality.Equality Impact Assessments were undertaken to inform the development of the COVID-19 autumn 2024 and autumn 2025 vaccination campaigns and eligibility criteria.

What steps she has taken to ensure that (a) the Border Force and (b) UK national security agencies are aware of the identities of high-risk individuals released in prisoner exchanges in the Middle East.

The Home Secretary has not had any engagement with Israeli authorities to discuss these matters. Since October 2023, a specialist team of experts from the FCDO have been providing support to family members in the UK and Israel. Officials have offered support to the hostage families forum, including through ministerial and senior official engagement.We have also connected the families with specialist agencies and organisations that can offer practical and psychological support, including FCDO-funded partner Hostage International.The Home Office uses various tools to detect and disrupt travel by terrorists, by criminals and by individuals excluded from the UK; previously deported from the UK; or using lost, stolen or revoked documents and visas. This includes the use of domestic and international watchlists.It is a longstanding policy that HMG does not comment on the specific data held on the watchlist, how the data is used, or its source, as to do so would be harmful to the national security of the UK.