Written questions by Maguire.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving public engagement with politics.

Following the general election, the Prime Minister was clear that he wanted national renewal and a return of politics to public service. The Government is committed to ensuring the public has diverse opportunities to take part in our vibrant democracy. The Government is taking steps to ensure meaningful public involvement in the work of government, including as part of mission-driven government and the broader toolkit for policy development and public engagement. In addition to regular national and local elections, the public can engage in our political system and the policy-making process through various avenues. These include writing to their MP or to a government department, attending constituency surgeries, signing a petition which may end up the subject of debate in Parliament, taking part in a consultation (see the GOV.UK website for current consultations) or a parliamentary call for evidence, and of course taking part in politics directly by, for example, standing for office. The public are also encouraged to come and visit the UK Parliament to meet with their representatives and see the work of politics in action.

In which constituencies are each (a) base, (b) garrison and (c) barracks located for each of the armed forces in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland; and which of those bases are designated for use by (A) NATO and (B) US visiting forces.

The information required to answer the hon. Member’s question is not held centrally. Officials are working to produce a consolidated response. I will write to her by late December 2024, and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

If he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of NATO's readiness, in the context of potential changes in policy from the incoming United States administration.

NATO is the world’s most successful alliance. It represents 50 per cent of the world’s military capability, with 500,000 troops now on high readiness As NATO allies, the UK-US special relationship is built on a foundation of our deep security partnership and unique historical ties. We look forward to working closely with the new US administration to ensure the Alliance will continue to support the security of the Euro-Atlantic.

If his Department will make an estimate of planned defence spending in the next two years as a share of GDP using NATO's definition of defence expenditure.

Based on the OBR's latest GDP projections, defence spending is currently expected to be 2.29% of GDP in financial year (FY) 2024-25 and 2.30% in 2025-26. Future FYs' figures are subject to the outcome of the second phase of the Spending Review.

Whether she has made an estimate of the number of armed forces veterans who will no longer be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment as a result of proposed changes to eligibility criteria.

We have made no such estimate and are not able to do so as we do not collect specific data on veterans over pension age receiving benefits and pensions. Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged 80 and over. This means that the Winter Fuel Payment will be better targeted to low-income pensioners who need it. The UK Government wants those eligible for Pension Credit but not currently claiming it to receive the benefits they are entitled to, including their Winter Fuel Payment.