Written questions by Naish.

How her Department plans to monitor the effectiveness of the Crisis and Resilience Fund for reducing reliance on emergency food parcels.

The new Crisis and Resilience Fund will be introduced from 1 April 2026. This represents the first ever multi-year settlement for locally delivered crisis support. This longer-term funding approach enables local authorities to provide preventative support to communities, and to support our ambition to end mass dependence on emergency food parcels. We will be working closely with local authorities and external stakeholders on the detailed design of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including on how we monitor effectiveness of the scheme. We will issue further information on our planned approach in due course.

What information his Department holds on the number of appointments in (a) Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, (b) the East Midlands and (c) the UK that have been delayed due to a lack of availability of medical radioisotopes in 2025 to date.

While we do not typically hold this information centrally, the Department is aware that the number of appointments delayed related to radioisotope supply issues at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for the period of January 2025 to May 2025 consist of: - 68 patients delayed for a fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan; - 48 patients delayed for a F-18 FDG, prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan; and - 57 patients delayed across multiple nuclear medicine tests. We do not hold the information for the East Midlands more widely, or for the United Kingdom as a whole. The Department regularly engages with suppliers, specialist clinicians, the British Nuclear Medicine Society, and the UK Radiopharmacy Group to support the continued supply of medical radioisotopes for National Health Services. The Department continues to work with the NHS and other parts of the Government to better understand future need for medical radioisotopes.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of withdrawing postgraduate-level apprenticeship funding on (a) recruitment and (b) retention in the independent advice sector.

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Rushcliffe to the answer of 13 June 2025 to Question 57098.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of developing a national outcomes framework for family hubs.

On 11 June, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, set out plans for spending and public sector reforms through the Spending Review 2025. This announcement confirmed departmental budgets for 2026/27 onwards and committed the government will continue to invest in and expand the Family Hubs programme, working with parents to help give children the best start in life.This builds upon my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, published in December 2024, which outlined the ambition to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood.We are working within the department and alongside the Department for Health and Social Care to share further information about what the Spending Review settlement means for the continuation and expansion of the programme.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of family hubs on (a) neighbourhood health and (b) the effectiveness of the delivery of integrated community-based health services.

We are committed to moving towards a Neighbourhood Health Service, with more care delivered locally to create healthier communities, spot problems earlier, and support people to stay healthier and maintain their independence for longer.The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme supports the three reform shifts set out in the Government’s Health Mission, including the shift from hospital to community. It is already delivering a community-based model to transform health outcomes for babies, children, and their families.The effectiveness of the programme will take time to be realised, as long-term evaluation is required. The programme is subject to two national, independent evaluations to understand its implementation and impact.

What progress his Department has made on implementing the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.

The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme is now in its fourth year of delivery, and we are seeing important progress. 75 local authorities have established a network of family hubs and are providing universal, preventative services that benefit babies, children, and their families. Local authorities are developing services based on local need to improve health and educational outcomes, delivered through integrated, multi-agency workforces. Through Start for Life funding, families with babies can access support for perinatal mental health, parent-infant relationships, and infant feeding.The effectiveness of the programme will take time to be realised, as long-term evaluation is required. The programme is subject to two national, independent evaluations to understand its implementation and impact. We are already seeing evidence of promising progress as demonstrated by the thematic review undertaken by the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted.

What steps his Department is with manufacturers of blood transfusion sampling bottles to improve their design.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is responsible for collecting and processing blood donations across England, to meet hospital demand for treating patients.Blood collection tubes are used to collect blood samples at the time of blood donation. These samples are used to perform mandatory and discretionary infectious disease marker screening and blood grouping at every donation. Additional samples are taken from apheresis donors for tests such as haemoglobin levels, total protein testing. Sample tubes are also used for quality monitoring of components.NHSBT is not aware of any issues surrounding the current containers and is therefore not actively working with manufacturers of blood transfusion sampling bottles, as the current design meets their needs.

Whether the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan will include measures to integrate (a) welfare and (b) debt advice provision into primary care settings.

As part of the 10-Year Health Plan, Neighbourhood Health Centres will co-locate National Health Service, local authority and voluntary sector services, to help create an offer that meets population need holistically. Examples of this include providing debt advice and employment support services.

What steps her Department is taking help to ensure that teachers are trained to (a) identify and (b) support children with dyslexia; and if she will take steps to introduce universal dyslexia screening checks for children within their first two years of school.

​​I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Rushcliffe to the answer of 1 August 2025 to Question 61402. ​

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the £75 million budget allocated for financial reparations to LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

What criteria his Department is using to determine eligibility for financial reparations for LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

What feedback he has received from LGBT veterans’ organisations on the implementation of the financial reparations scheme for LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

What recent progress his Department has made on delivering financial reparations to LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

If he will outline a planned timeline for issuing financial reparations to all eligible LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on support for oil and gas workers in Scotland.

This Government recognises that oil and gas will continue to play a central role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. We recently published guidance on Scope 3 emissions in response to the Finch judgment, and soon we will publish our consultation response on the future of North Sea oil and gas licensing. Nonetheless, clean energy is our future, and many oil and gas workers have transferable skills for offshore renewable jobs. The Government’s commitment to investing in clean energy industries will ensure opportunities are created for oil and gas workers to thrive. Recently, we committed development funding to the Acorn carbon capture and storage project in Aberdeenshire, which, subject to business case, will prepare the project for delivery. Scotland Office Ministers remain in regular contact with DESNZ Ministers regarding this issue. We also continue to engage with a variety of stakeholders from across the energy sector, including oil and gas producers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 58068 on Employment: British National (Overseas), if her Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of the report by British Future entitled Working it Out: Hong Kongers, Employment and the Cost of Living, published on 29 October 2024.

As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, said in the latest six-monthly Report, this government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, strengthening the connections between our societies and remaining steadfast in commitment to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow. Government departments continue to work together in support of that objective. The BN(O) Welcome Programme continues to provide support to Hong Kongers in the UK, including through a network of 12 Welcome Hubs, helping BN(O)s understand and connect to services in their local area.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the internet blackout in Gaza on (a) the delivery of humanitarian aid and (b) civilian protection.

The UK Government has not conducted or published a formal assessment of the impact of internet blackouts in Gaza. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and are aware of the significant challenges these blackouts pose, including their hindrance to aid coordination. They also limit civilians' access to emergency services and vital information, increasing their vulnerability. These impacts are considered as part of our ongoing engagement with humanitarian partners and in our broader analysis of the situation in Gaza. The UK continues to advocate for the protection of civilians and the restoration of essential services, including communications infrastructure.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking through the Creative Foundations Fund to increase access to arts and culture across the UK.

The government understands that cultural infrastructure must be fit for the future and ensure everyone has access to high quality institutions in the places they call home. The new Creative Foundations Fund will invest £85 million to support arts and cultural organisations across England to resolve urgent issues with their estates. This will ensure their buildings and infrastructure will provide improved user experience for visitors and ensure they can be enjoyed by visitors for many more years to come.Guidance for the fund was published at the end of May and Arts Council England will be accepting Expressions of Interest from 30 June. With grants available from £100,000 and up to £10 million, this fund is a significant opportunity for organisations to address their capital needs.

Whether his Department plans to take steps to help support SMEs to implement (a) statutory parental leave and (b) flexible working policies.

Guidance for businesses on supporting employee work-life balance through measures such as flexible working and parental leave can be found on gov.uk and the Help to Grow website. We are also publishing an SME Strategy Paper later this year, which will result in positive and practical support for SMEs across the UK. Paternity Leave and Parental Leave will become ‘day one’ rights through the Employment Rights Bill. We will continue to engage with business, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these changes are implemented, and through the Government’s Review of the parental leave system.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent Israeli military operations at and near aid distribution points in Gaza on the humanitarian situation.

The UK assesses that recent Israeli military operations near aid distribution points in Gaza have had a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation and risk further deterioration. We are appalled by repeated reports of mass civilian casualties, including near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites. These incidents highlight the desperate need for aid and the dangers civilians face to feed their families. We have called for an immediate, independent investigation. We continue urging Israel to lift restrictions and allow trusted partners to deliver humanitarian assistance safely and at scale across Gaza.