Written questions by McMurdock.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Strategy to boost UK education abroad in major £40bn growth drive, published on 20 January 2026, what assessment her Department has made of the feasibility of achieving the target to grow UK education exports to £40 billion a year by 2030.

The new International Education Strategy has confirmed the government's continued commitment to welcome international students who meet the requirements to study in the UK. They join one of the world’s most vibrant, diverse and inclusive learning communities, form lifelong friendships and professional networks, and earn qualifications respected around the globe. Higher education providers in the UK received an estimated £12.1 billion in tuition fee income from international students in the 2023/24 academic year, which supported the provision of places for domestic students and research and development. Future international student numbers are inherently uncertain. The international student market is highly competitive, and inflows depend on a range of factors, including recruitment strategies from international competitors, exchange rates and other economic variables. The International Education Strategy will continue to support the sustainable recruitment of high-quality international students to the UK’s world-class higher education institutions from a diverse range of countries.

Pursuant to the press release entitled £43 million boost for green aviation to drive growth, jobs and cleaner flights, published on 20 January 2026, what proportion of global aviation emissions her Department estimates will be removed as a result of the funding for green aviation projects.

Through the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, published on 29 October, the Government detailed policies in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fuels in aviation, and estimates of the emission reductions they would achieve. This package of funding will help to enable these emission reductions. The nature of research and development activity creates challenges in assessing the exact expected CO2 benefits at the outset, as these depend on the extent to which the outputs of research and new technologies are adopted into commercial use, and the pace at which this happens. Government seed funding is integral in supporting early-stage research and development for technologies which are not yet commercially viable but could be scaled in future.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of clinical negligence claims on NHS finances.

The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England are of great concern to the Government. Costs have more than doubled in the last 10 years and are forecast to continue rising, putting further pressure on National Health Service finances.Although forecasts remain uncertain, it is likely that the costs of clinical negligence will continue to grow substantially. The Government Actuary’s Department forecasts that annual payments for compensation and legal costs will increase from £3 billion in 2024/25 to £4.1 billion by 2029/30.As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, David Lock KC is providing expert policy advice on the rising costs of clinical negligence and how we can improve patients’ experience of claims. The review is ongoing, following initial advice to ministers and the recent National Audit Office report.We welcome the report by the National Audit Office. The results of David Lock’s work will inform future policy making in this area. No decisions on policy have been taken at this point, and the Government will provide an update on the work done and next steps in due course.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Expansion of support scheme to help thousands of people back into work, published on 20 January 2026, what proportion of the £259 million funding to support people with health conditions back into work will be allocated to the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

WorkWell will be rolled out across all of England backed by up to £259 million over the next three years. WorkWell gives funding to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to lead, design and deliver integrated work and health support that meets the needs of working age disabled people and those with health conditions in their communities. Management information from the pilot can be found at: WorkWell Pilot Management Information from 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2025 - GOV.UK An independent consortium of evaluators will carry out a national evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the WorkWell pilot, using surveys, interviews and econometric measures of success. The final evaluation report is estimated to be available in Autumn 2028.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Expansion of support scheme to help thousands of people back into work, published on 20 January 2026, what data his Department holds on the proportion of people supported by the WorkWell pilot who have remained in work long-term.

WorkWell will be rolled out across all of England backed by up to £259 million over the next three years. WorkWell gives funding to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to lead, design and deliver integrated work and health support that meets the needs of working age disabled people and those with health conditions in their communities. Management information from the pilot can be found at: WorkWell Pilot Management Information from 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2025 - GOV.UK An independent consortium of evaluators will carry out a national evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the WorkWell pilot, using surveys, interviews and econometric measures of success. The final evaluation report is estimated to be available in Autumn 2028.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Expansion of support scheme to help thousands of people back into work, published on 20 January 2026, what proportion of people supported by the WorkWell pilot have been able to earn a sufficient income to no longer require support from universal credit.

WorkWell will be rolled out across all of England backed by up to £259 million over the next three years. WorkWell gives funding to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to lead, design and deliver integrated work and health support that meets the needs of working age disabled people and those with health conditions in their communities. Management information from the pilot can be found at: WorkWell Pilot Management Information from 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2025 - GOV.UK An independent consortium of evaluators will carry out a national evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the WorkWell pilot, using surveys, interviews and econometric measures of success. The final evaluation report is estimated to be available in Autumn 2028.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Expansion of support scheme to help thousands of people back into work, published on 20 January 2026, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people with health conditions in the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency who will be helped back into work as a result of the WorkWell programme.

WorkWell will be rolled out across all of England backed by up to £259 million over the next three years. WorkWell gives funding to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to lead, design and deliver integrated work and health support that meets the needs of working age disabled people and those with health conditions in their communities. Management information from the pilot can be found at: WorkWell Pilot Management Information from 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2025 - GOV.UK An independent consortium of evaluators will carry out a national evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the WorkWell pilot, using surveys, interviews and econometric measures of success. The final evaluation report is estimated to be available in Autumn 2028.

Pursuant to his Department's press release entitled Expansion of support scheme to help thousands of people back into work, published on 20 January 2026, what analysis his Department has conducted on the impact of the WorkWell programme on the health outcomes of those who cited mental health as their main impediment to finding work.

WorkWell will be rolled out across all of England backed by up to £259 million over the next three years. WorkWell gives funding to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to lead, design and deliver integrated work and health support that meets the needs of working age disabled people and those with health conditions in their communities. Management information from the pilot can be found at: WorkWell Pilot Management Information from 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2025 - GOV.UK An independent consortium of evaluators will carry out a national evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the WorkWell pilot, using surveys, interviews and econometric measures of success. The final evaluation report is estimated to be available in Autumn 2028.

If he will publish a report on the potential impact of recently announced tariffs by the Unites States on the UK economy.

Having retained our cool-headed approach and robustly defended the rights of the people of Greenland and the kingdom of Denmark alone to determine their future, we are glad that the President has announced that these tariffs will not be proceeding.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Free access to sentencing remarks for all victims, published on 19 January 2026, whether his Department has considered the potential merits of including free access for victims to judges' remarks on cases that result in acquittal.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on (a) the amounts victims of crime have paid to obtain sentencing remarks, (b) the number of victims who have withdrawn their request, or (c) the reasons for any withdrawal.Currently, bereaved families of homicide victims and victims of rape and other sexual offences are eligible to apply for a free transcript of the relevant sentencing remarks. This provision is being expanded to all victims where the case in question was sentenced in the Crown Court, through the Sentencing Act. Sentencing remarks were selected for this provision as they provide a clear summary of the case and explain how the trial outcome was reached. Extending free provision to cases resulting in an acquittal is not possible as there would be no equivalent to sentencing remarks to transcribe and provide.We continue to work closely with the judiciary and criminal justice partners to ensure victims are provided with clear, accessible information at every stage of the process, including where a defendant is acquitted. This includes through existing channels such as Witness Care Units, who hold a responsibility under Right 9 of the Victims Code to update victims on the outcome of the case or trial including, where available, a brief summary of reasons for the decision.Expansion of free provision to summary remarks in the magistrates’ courts is not currently under consideration. As trial and sentencing proceedings in the magistrates’ courts are not currently recorded, transcripts cannot be provided either through payment or free of charge. This is being kept under review as the system moves towards the recording of magistrates’ proceedings.

What information his Department holds on the number of victims of crime who withdrew their request for a copy of a judge's sentencing remarks due to the cost since 2020.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on (a) the amounts victims of crime have paid to obtain sentencing remarks, (b) the number of victims who have withdrawn their request, or (c) the reasons for any withdrawal.Currently, bereaved families of homicide victims and victims of rape and other sexual offences are eligible to apply for a free transcript of the relevant sentencing remarks. This provision is being expanded to all victims where the case in question was sentenced in the Crown Court, through the Sentencing Act. Sentencing remarks were selected for this provision as they provide a clear summary of the case and explain how the trial outcome was reached. Extending free provision to cases resulting in an acquittal is not possible as there would be no equivalent to sentencing remarks to transcribe and provide.We continue to work closely with the judiciary and criminal justice partners to ensure victims are provided with clear, accessible information at every stage of the process, including where a defendant is acquitted. This includes through existing channels such as Witness Care Units, who hold a responsibility under Right 9 of the Victims Code to update victims on the outcome of the case or trial including, where available, a brief summary of reasons for the decision.Expansion of free provision to summary remarks in the magistrates’ courts is not currently under consideration. As trial and sentencing proceedings in the magistrates’ courts are not currently recorded, transcripts cannot be provided either through payment or free of charge. This is being kept under review as the system moves towards the recording of magistrates’ proceedings.

How many victims of crime paid (a) £40 and (b) more than £40 to access sentencing remarks since 2020.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on (a) the amounts victims of crime have paid to obtain sentencing remarks, (b) the number of victims who have withdrawn their request, or (c) the reasons for any withdrawal.Currently, bereaved families of homicide victims and victims of rape and other sexual offences are eligible to apply for a free transcript of the relevant sentencing remarks. This provision is being expanded to all victims where the case in question was sentenced in the Crown Court, through the Sentencing Act. Sentencing remarks were selected for this provision as they provide a clear summary of the case and explain how the trial outcome was reached. Extending free provision to cases resulting in an acquittal is not possible as there would be no equivalent to sentencing remarks to transcribe and provide.We continue to work closely with the judiciary and criminal justice partners to ensure victims are provided with clear, accessible information at every stage of the process, including where a defendant is acquitted. This includes through existing channels such as Witness Care Units, who hold a responsibility under Right 9 of the Victims Code to update victims on the outcome of the case or trial including, where available, a brief summary of reasons for the decision.Expansion of free provision to summary remarks in the magistrates’ courts is not currently under consideration. As trial and sentencing proceedings in the magistrates’ courts are not currently recorded, transcripts cannot be provided either through payment or free of charge. This is being kept under review as the system moves towards the recording of magistrates’ proceedings.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled ‘Free access to sentencing remarks for all victims’ published on 19 January 2026, whether his Department has any plans to extend free access for victims to judge's remarks to cases heard in magistrates courts.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on (a) the amounts victims of crime have paid to obtain sentencing remarks, (b) the number of victims who have withdrawn their request, or (c) the reasons for any withdrawal.Currently, bereaved families of homicide victims and victims of rape and other sexual offences are eligible to apply for a free transcript of the relevant sentencing remarks. This provision is being expanded to all victims where the case in question was sentenced in the Crown Court, through the Sentencing Act. Sentencing remarks were selected for this provision as they provide a clear summary of the case and explain how the trial outcome was reached. Extending free provision to cases resulting in an acquittal is not possible as there would be no equivalent to sentencing remarks to transcribe and provide.We continue to work closely with the judiciary and criminal justice partners to ensure victims are provided with clear, accessible information at every stage of the process, including where a defendant is acquitted. This includes through existing channels such as Witness Care Units, who hold a responsibility under Right 9 of the Victims Code to update victims on the outcome of the case or trial including, where available, a brief summary of reasons for the decision.Expansion of free provision to summary remarks in the magistrates’ courts is not currently under consideration. As trial and sentencing proceedings in the magistrates’ courts are not currently recorded, transcripts cannot be provided either through payment or free of charge. This is being kept under review as the system moves towards the recording of magistrates’ proceedings.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled ‘Government unveils biggest overhaul to water in a generation’ published on 19 January 2026, what estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of her Water White Paper on household bills once implemented.

Managing cost of living pressures is a priority. These reforms build on safeguards for households, including by strengthening the Guaranteed Standards Scheme and reforming the WaterSure support scheme. Affordability must be at the core of any future investment plans. The Government will be doing an impact assessment for the water reform bill which will cover the costs and benefits of reforms.The reforms are ultimately designed to support growth, reduce bill volatility, and keep costs fair for customers in the long-term.

Pursuant to her Department publishing an open opportunity contract on 6 January 2026 entitled Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme (HORRP) - Phase 3 - 2026 – 2028, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of this scheme on the future number of illegal migrants coming to the UK from (a) Algeria and (b) Sri Lanka.

Since 2021, the UK has seen record numbers of people arriving illegally and claiming asylum, with increasing pressure on public services and accommodation – this scheme is designed to improve returns cooperation with these countries, support those being returned to their country of origin, and ultimately remove more people.

With reference to her Department publishing an open opportunity contract on 6 January 2026 entitled Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme (HORRP) - Phase 3 - 2026 – 2028, how many additional removals does she estimate this scheme will result in.

We have an ambitious target of continuously increasing returns in the coming years, and this contract will play an important supporting role in helping us deliver on that objective.

With reference to her Department’s response of 17 November 2025 to the e-petition entitled Raise the income tax personal allowance from £12,570 to £20,000, whether her Department has assessed the potential long‑term impact of changes in labour market participation resulting from a higher Personal Allowance on the economy.

The Personal Allowance is uprated in line with CPI by default. The previous Government took the decision to maintain the Personal Allowance at its current level from April 2021 until April 2028. The Government is asking everyone to contribute to maintain funding for the NHS and reduce debt, and it is doing this by maintaining the Personal Allowance for a further three years.As set out in the e-petition response, the Government has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £20,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £20,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost. This would reduce tax receipts substantially, decreasing funds available for the UK’s hospitals, schools, and other essential public services that we all rely on.Increasing the Personal Allowance to this level would undermine the work the Government has done to restore fiscal responsibility which is critical to getting our economy growing.HM Treasury only provides impact assessments on Government policy. The OBR have made an assessment of the Government’s policy related to the Personal Allowance in the Economic and Fiscal Outlook.The ‘£50 billion’ figure in the e-petition response (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/737513) provided an indicative idea of scale only and does not reflect a full costing as this is not Government policy. Data from the 2022-23 Survey of Personal Incomes and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) economic forecast were used to inform this indicative estimate.

With reference to her Department’s response of 17 November 2025 to the e-petition entitled Raise the income tax personal allowance from £12,570 to £20,000, what assumptions were used for (a) behavioural changes, (b) labour market participation and (c) projected tax receipts for the £50 billion per annum figure.

The Personal Allowance is uprated in line with CPI by default. The previous Government took the decision to maintain the Personal Allowance at its current level from April 2021 until April 2028. The Government is asking everyone to contribute to maintain funding for the NHS and reduce debt, and it is doing this by maintaining the Personal Allowance for a further three years.As set out in the e-petition response, the Government has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £20,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £20,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost. This would reduce tax receipts substantially, decreasing funds available for the UK’s hospitals, schools, and other essential public services that we all rely on.Increasing the Personal Allowance to this level would undermine the work the Government has done to restore fiscal responsibility which is critical to getting our economy growing.HM Treasury only provides impact assessments on Government policy. The OBR have made an assessment of the Government’s policy related to the Personal Allowance in the Economic and Fiscal Outlook.The ‘£50 billion’ figure in the e-petition response (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/737513) provided an indicative idea of scale only and does not reflect a full costing as this is not Government policy. Data from the 2022-23 Survey of Personal Incomes and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) economic forecast were used to inform this indicative estimate.

What criteria her Department uses when determining whether to uprate the Personal Allowance.

The Personal Allowance is uprated in line with CPI by default. The previous Government took the decision to maintain the Personal Allowance at its current level from April 2021 until April 2028. The Government is asking everyone to contribute to maintain funding for the NHS and reduce debt, and it is doing this by maintaining the Personal Allowance for a further three years.As set out in the e-petition response, the Government has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £20,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £20,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost. This would reduce tax receipts substantially, decreasing funds available for the UK’s hospitals, schools, and other essential public services that we all rely on.Increasing the Personal Allowance to this level would undermine the work the Government has done to restore fiscal responsibility which is critical to getting our economy growing.HM Treasury only provides impact assessments on Government policy. The OBR have made an assessment of the Government’s policy related to the Personal Allowance in the Economic and Fiscal Outlook.The ‘£50 billion’ figure in the e-petition response (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/737513) provided an indicative idea of scale only and does not reflect a full costing as this is not Government policy. Data from the 2022-23 Survey of Personal Incomes and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) economic forecast were used to inform this indicative estimate.

Whether he plans to amend competition law for fuel markets.

Competition law for fuel markets was recently amended through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This legislation gave powers to the Competition and Markets Authority in January 2024 to monitor the road fuel retail sector and provide recommendations to government where necessary. The government also introduced separate legislation for Fuel Finder, an open data scheme for fuel prices to improve transparency and increase competition in the fuel retail market which comes into force on 2 February.