Written questions by Maguire.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the August 2025 data breach for people with outstanding ARAP applications; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of that breach on the (a) processing and (b) prioritisation of those cases.

The Ministry of Defence assessed that this incident did not pose a significant threat to the safety of ARAP principals. This incident surrounded data for those arriving on flights into the UK, meaning that their eligible decisions had already been made. The data incident of February 2022 was announced in the Defence Secretary’s Oral Statement of July 2025. For this cohort, the published Rimmer Review considered it “highly unlikely” that merely being on the February 2022 dataset would be grounds for targeting by the Taleban, noting the time that has passed since the fall of Kabul and the wealth of data the Taleban already have access to. All outstanding ARAP applications will be considered on their own merits against the ARAP criteria. Where there is a unique or imminent circumstance, officials can also consider expedition on a case-by-case basis. We aim to complete the process of relocation before the end of this Parliament.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of a right to request workplace modifications for employees not covered under the duty to make reasonable adjustments established in the Equality Act 2010.

This Department has made no such assessment. Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone's disability. All employers have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace where a disabled employee, would otherwise be put at a substantial disadvantage compared with their colleagues. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is responsible for enforcing the Equality Act and providing guidance on reasonable adjustments. Employers have a key role to play in supporting workers with long term health conditions or disabilities in the workplace. DWP's current offer to employers includes a digital information service, www.support-with-employee-health-and-disability.dwp.gov.uk/ which provides tailored guidance to businesses to support employees to remain in work. This includes guidance on health disclosures and having conversations about health, plus guidance on legal obligations, including statutory sick pay and making reasonable adjustments.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of using her Section 69 of the Education Act 2006 powers to appoint an interim executive board to the Bramley Hill School in Surrey.

Independent Schools are regulated under requirements laid out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and local authorities have no powers to appoint an interim executive board.The department takes any indication of risk of harm incredibly seriously and does not hesitate to take swift enforcement action, from emergency inspections right through to school closure, where necessary and appropriate. Ofsted inspected Bramley Hill School in 2024. All the Independent School Standards were met.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) improve access to effective treatments for migraine and (b) reduce waiting times for (i) diagnosis and (ii) referral to specialist services.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline, Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management, sets out best practice for healthcare professionals in the care, treatment, and support of people who suffer from headaches, including migraine. It aims to improve the recognition and management of headaches and migraine.NICE updated its guideline in June 2025. Updates included a change to the strength of recommendations on treatments for migraine prevention to better reflect the balance between their benefits and harms, and incorporation of relevant technology appraisal guidance for treating and preventing migraine with or without aura.At the national level, there are several initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with migraine, including the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit. The GIRFT programme published a National Speciality Report, which makes several recommendations in relation to improving recognition and diagnosis of migraine by general practitioners. Additionally, the RightCare Toolkit sets out key priorities for improving care for patients with migraine, which includes correct identification and diagnosis of headache disorders.The Royal College of General Practitioners has developed two e-learning modules about migraine and cluster headaches, which aim to raise awareness amongst primary care clinicians about the different types of migraine and their associated symptoms, and how to differentiate.Over the last four years, a new class of drugs, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, has been made available on the National Health Service for the prevention and treatment of episodic and chronic migraines. On 15 May 2024, Atogepant became the latest CGRP inhibitor recommended by NICE for use as a preventive medication for the treatment of migraine.A key priority for the Government is to cut waiting lists, including for patients with migraine. We have committed to achieving the NHS Constitutional standard that 92% of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029, including in neurology services. We have reduced the elective waiting list by over 206,000 since July 2024. Between July 2024 and June 2025, we have delivered 5.2 million additional appointments, many of which will have been for patients with migraine.

What steps her Department is taking to support (a) students and (b) parents impacted by reports of abuse at the Bramley Hill School in Surrey.

Independent Schools are regulated under requirements laid out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and local authorities have no powers to appoint an interim executive board.The department takes any indication of risk of harm incredibly seriously and does not hesitate to take swift enforcement action, from emergency inspections right through to school closure, where necessary and appropriate. Ofsted inspected Bramley Hill School in 2024. All the Independent School Standards were met.

How many and what proportion of children in the early adopter scheme free breakfast clubs are eligible for free school meals.

From the start of summer term 2025, we have funded 750 schools to deliver a free breakfast club as part of our early adopter scheme. All reception to year 6 pupils at these schools are able to access the free clubs.Early adopter schools were selected based on a range of characteristics so that the department can test and learn with as many different types of schools as possible. The early adopter schools have an average Free School Meals eligibility rate of around 30%.So far, we have delivered over 2.6 million breakfasts and offered places to almost 180,000 pupils across the country, including nearly 79,000 pupils in disadvantaged areas.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Israeli counterpart on increasing the number of evacuation days for (a) recipients of the Chevening Scholarship and their dependents and (b) medically vulnerable children and their dependents to the UK.

We continue to work with international partners to facilitate departures from Gaza where possible, and the Foreign Secretary most recently spoke to her Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on 18 October about the importance of opening more crossings.

If her Department will ensure that menstrual products provided through the free school programme are (a) organic and (b) reusable.

Nobody should have to miss out on education because of their period, which is why the department provides free period products to girls and women in their place of study through the Period Products Scheme. ​The scheme offers a broad range of products for organisations to choose from, including certified organic and chemical-free tampons and pads, as well as reusable options such as period pants.

When her Department plans to set out a timeline for reforming the SEND system.

This government is determined to deliver reform that stands the test of time and rebuilds the confidence of families, which is why we’re launching a further period of listening and engagement – testing our proposals with parents, teachers and experts in every region of the country, so that lived experience and partnership are at the heart of our solutions. We know that families are crying out for change, and that is exactly why it is critical we get this right. We will set out the full Schools White Paper in the new year, building on the work we’ve already done to create a system that’s rooted in inclusion, where children receive high-quality support early on and can thrive at their local school.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure young people with SEND can access the Youth Guarantee.

The ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper introduced the Youth Guarantee, ensuring every 18 to 21 year-old in England can access education, training, an apprenticeship, supported internships or help to find work. The department is working to make this inclusive for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).The Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme is providing £45 million funding for eight mayoral combined authorities from spring 2025. The Youth Guarantee trailblazers are testing focused support for vulnerable groups such as care leavers, young people with SEND and young people educated in alternative provision settings. This focused support includes mentoring, confidence building, coaching and financial management skills. This testing will inform the future rollout of the Youth Guarantee.The department is taking several other steps to help those with SEND access the Youth Guarantee, including:Introducing a new Foundation Apprenticeship and shorter more flexible apprenticeships to reduce entry barriers for young people with SEND.Increased wraparound and personalised support to improve mental health and employability support for school leavers.Continuing to invest to build the capacity and quality of Supported Internships by providing up to £12 million to March 2026. This includes a pilot testing supported internships with young people with SEND but who do not have education, health and care plans.The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper commits to ‘building a system that leaves no learner behind’ by joining up skills and employment systems, expanding flexible training options, and guaranteeing access to education or work pathways for all, including those at risk of becoming not in education, employment, or training.

When she will make an emergency inspection of the Bramley Hill School in Surrey.

Private schools must meet the Independent School Standards, at all times, and are inspected at least every three years.Bramley Hill was inspected by Ofsted in March 2024 when all the Independent School Standards were found to be met.Concerns about safeguarding in a private school can be raised by contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer if an allegation is made against a member of staff, or the department if there are concerns about the school’s overall safeguarding culture or compliance.Where information suggests that children may be at risk, an emergency inspection can be commissioned.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of exposure to (a) glyphosate, (b) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and (c) heavy metals in period products on public health.

During the passage of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, the Government committed to consult on period product safety. As part of this Officials are reviewing the need for any further research and testing for harmful chemicals and heavy metals in period products to complement the consultation. We are working closely with DEFRA who advise that studies carried out in the EU on chemicals in period products found that the chemicals identified were present only in low concentrations, with no evidence of significant risks to human health. Defra is continuing to monitor research in this area.

What steps he is taking to ensure there are a total of 19 RN Type 26 frigate vessels by 2030.

The Royal Navy is making substantial progress towards deploying autonomous systems alongside crewed platforms to increase the lethality of the fleet and deliver the SDR recommendationsThe Royal Navy has two frigate acquisition programmes that will ensure surface fleet capabilities are sustained. The current Type 23 Duke Class frigates will be replaced by eight Type 26 City Class frigates and five Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates. Type 26 frigates are expected to enter service from 2028 onwards, and all Type 31s are expected to be in service by the early 2030s. The Royal Navy is also continuing to make significant investment in its six Daring Class destroyers, the Type 45, to enhance and sustain the class into the late 2030s.

What steps he is taking to support survivors of child sex abuse committed (a) by military personnel and (b) on military bases.

The safety of the children of Service personnel, and young people under the age of 18 undertaking training, is of utmost importance to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and we are committed to safeguarding and supporting victims of child sexual abuse. Our safeguarding system ensures that all concerns are dealt with promptly, sensitively, and align with statutory requirements. The MOD provides support to victims of serious crime, regardless of age, through the Victim Witness Care Unit, which is part of the Defence Serious Crime Command, when the offence has been committed by persons subject to service law. In the case of child victims, due to the heightened risk and safeguarding concerns, the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) will take a proactive approach by engaging with Appropriate Adults, Social Workers, and specialist support services, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres or Independent Sexual Violence Advisers. The VLO will also prioritise identifying local services near the victim's or family's location, including Advocacy services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. In all circumstances, the victim will be supported by a range of personnel and agencies, both internal and external to Defence, to ensure their individual needs are fully met. Our safeguarding process is clearly set out in the Defence Safeguarding Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 834), which defines the protection responsibilities and ensures safeguarding training is provided to equipped personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their safeguarding duties effectively. Defence Direction and Guidance for Training and Education (JSP 822) outlines that personnel under the age of 18 have particular care and welfare needs as well as additional legal requirements. JSP 822 flags that maturity and experience can vary considerably between individuals and as such those who are under the age of 18 may be more at risk than older trainees. It also directs establishments to provide comprehensive Supervisory Care Directives, record a Commander’s Risk Assessment and to comply fully with JSP 834. The Army Foundation College, Harrogate AFC(H) fully implements the MOD’s Zero Tolerance policies. It reports every instance of unacceptable sexual behaviour, and it has robust policies and processes in place to ensure the safety of students. Prior to each new intake of Junior Soldiers, AFC(H) Permanent Staff undertake refresher training covering all aspects of safeguarding, welfare and unacceptable sexual behaviour.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed reductions to the number of roles in his Department’s overseas network on supporting British exporters abroad.

We are creating an overseas network which is ready to deliver for British business.In June we published our Trade Strategy including a vision for a more effective and agile overseas network, shaped by our assessment of the markets, sectors and opportunities that will drive UK economic growth for the next decade and beyond.We will focus more of our resource on attracting the high value inward investment the economy needs and tackling market access barriers that hold British businesses back. However, directly supporting British exporters will remain the biggest part of what DBT teams do overseas.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of partnering with customs to monitor the importation of nitrous oxide.

Border Force works closely with law enforcement and our partners across the world to share intelligence in order to protect the public. We have seen a record level of drug seizures in FY2024, demonstrating police and Border Force are working relentlessly to stop illegal drugs from coming into the country and keep them off our streets. Nitrous Oxide is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is an offence for a person to import or export nitrous oxide if they intend to wrongfully inhale it or if they know, or are reckless as to whether, it is likely to be wrongfully inhaled by some other person. “Wrongful inhalation” means inhalation other than for medical or dental purposes, and which is not accidental inhalation of nitrous oxide which has been released into the atmosphere (such as in industrial processes). Data on seizures of nitrous oxide and other controlled drugs at the UK border are published at:Seizures of Drugs in England and Wales, financial year ending 2024Border Force Transparency Data

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of implementing baby boxes that contain a free box of essential items for every baby born in England.

There are currently no plans to roll out baby boxes for every baby born in England. Some local organisations choose to provide baby boxes containing free items to families in their area. Whilst we welcome efforts to provide support to babies and their families, these boxes are sometimes shown as a place for babies to sleep. The Department advises that the safest place for babies to sleep is in a cot or a Moses basket, with further information available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/baby-basics/newborn-and-baby-sleeping-advice-for-parents/safe-sleep-advice-for-babies/The Lullaby Trust has provided guidance which states that baby boxes should only be used for sleep in unplanned and emergency situations, with further information available at the following link:https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/travel-and-weather/safer-sleep-away-from-home-in-emergency-situations/It is important that professionals, parents, and carers follow safe sleep guidance. Ensuring babies have an appropriate place to sleep reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, with further information available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/#:~:text=always%20place%20your%20baby%20on,no%20higher%20than%20their%20shouldersMidwives, health visitors, general practitioners, and other health and care professionals all provide advice, support, and health promotion regarding safer sleep for families. As part of the universal Healthy Child Programme, health visiting teams offer safe sleeping advice, and intervention where appropriate, to families.The Government’s Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life strategy sets out how we will expand and strengthen family and health services in early childhood to improve child development, health, and education outcomes. Building on the £126 million funding boost for the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme in 2025/26, Best Start Family Hubs will be rolled out to every local authority from April 2026. Best Start Family Hubs will provide a new evidenced-informed core offer for parents, a clear local mission around children’s early development, and a digital parenting offer.

What steps he is taking to support armed forces spouses right to work abroad in the same country as their partner.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to supporting UK Service personnel and their families. The Armed Forces Covenant, which this Government has made a manifesto commitment to put into law, has at its heart the principle that those who serve and have served and their families should not be disadvantaged as a result of their Service. All Government Departments, not just MOD, are committed to upholding the Covenant. Improving prospects for partner employment is also a key theme of the Armed Forces Families Strategy. One of the actions taken by Defence is funding the Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3) to support this work. Between 2022 and today, a total of £2,242 million has been granted to fund projects supporting spouses and partners of Service personnel at national, local, and unit levels, both within the UK and overseas. This includes projects providing tailored training to spouses and partners, enabling them to get back into employment. In addition, Defence is currently working on guidance in line with the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant to encourage other Government Departments to support any employees who wish to work remotely from overseas to accompany their serving partner, so that they don’t have to compromise between their career and family life. We are currently reviewing a number of our international arrangements to ensure that spouses of UK Service personnel are able to remain in employment when they accompany their serving partners.

With reference to p.10 of the Defence Industrial Strategy, published on 8 September 2025, what his Department's planned timetable is for setting out the membership of the Defence Investors Advisory Group.

The Secretary of State for Defence set out at the Defence Investment Summit on 10 September 2025 that the Defence Investors’ Advisory Group would be Chaired by Kerry Balwin. A second co-chair been chosen and will be announced shortly. The Group brings together some of the best minds from banking, pension funds, venture capital and Strategic Finance.

What steps he is taking to support female service personnel who have served in front-line roles.

Women are a crucial part of the Armed Forces community, and the Government is committed to ensuring their needs and experiences are better understood, and that they have access to the best possible support and opportunities. There is a well-established policy and process to provide support to all Service personnel who have served in front line roles. This is intended to address any pressure encountered on operations, as a result of day-to-day work or from exposure to individual risk or traumatic situations that may result in physical and/or mental ill health. The process provides support before, during and immediately post-deployment, with a follow-on phase which addresses the longer-term management of Service personnel. These are designed to reduce the likelihood of personnel developing stress or mental health problems throughout the deployment by providing information and support pre-deployment, monitoring personnel for signs of difficulty, providing support and conducting Trauma Risk Management during the deployment, and by providing decompression, unit briefings and offering support to personnel in the post-deployment phase. Commanders continue to monitor personnel throughout their career and support will be provided months or even years after a deployment has finished. When personnel leave the Armed Forces, mental health support continues to be provided by the NHS through programmes such as Op Courage, which is a mental health specialist service designed to help those due to leave the Armed Forces, Reservists, Veterans and their families.