Written questions by Shannon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) justice for victims and (b) protection for at-risk communities in the Middle Belt.

The UK Government is committed to supporting Nigeria address security challenges, including intercommunal violence in the Middle Belt, through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). The UK-Nigeria SDP works with Nigeria's security forces to tackle violence against civilian communities. As part of this dialogue, we previously welcomed a commitment from Nigeria on timely, effective and human rights compliant investigations of, and prosecutions for, terrorism. Additionally, through our Strengthening Peace and Resilience programme (SPRiNG) the UK is providing up to £38 million over five years from 2024 to 2028 to help tackle the root causes of intercommunal conflict, including security, justice, and natural resource management challenges.

What steps she is taking to increase funding for local policing forces.

The 2025-26 final police funding settlement provides funding of up to £19.6 billion for the policing system in England and Wales. This is an overall increase of up to £1.2 billion when compared to the 2024-25 settlement.Total funding to police forces will be up to £17.6 billion, an increase of up to £1.2 billion compared to the 2024-25 police funding settlement. This equates to a 7.1% cash increase, and 4.6% real terms increase in funding. The Government is committed to ensuring police forces are supported to effectively tackle crime. That is why we have committed £200 million to kickstart the recruitment of 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs in communities across England and Wales.

What steps he is taking to improve patient safety in hospitals.

The Government’s commitment to advancing patient safety in the National Health Service is demonstrated by various measures.This includes delivery of the NHS Patient Safety Strategy, which is overseen by NHS England. The strategy is now achieving its aims of saving an extra 1,000 lives per year. By April 2025, the strategy’s patient safety improvement programmes had led to over 1,500 neonatal lives saved, over 500 fewer cerebral palsy cases in premature babies, and more than 1,900 deaths prevented overall through medicine safety improvements, including work to reduce long term opioid use. Further information on the NHS Patient Safety Strategy is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/the-nhs-patient-safety-strategy/nhs-patient-safety-strategy-progress-so-far/The strategy includes other key programmes, such as the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework, the Learn From Patient Safety Events service, the NHS Patient Safety Syllabus, and the Framework for Involving Patients in Patient Safety, that are focussed on improving the NHS’ systems, capability, and capacity to improve safety. Further information on the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework, the Learn From Patient Safety Events service, the NHS Patient Safety Syllabus, and the Framework for Involving Patients in Patient Safety is available, respectively, at the following four links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/patient-safety-insight/incident-response-framework/engaging-and-involving-patients-families-and-staff-following-a-patient-safety-incident/https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/patient-safety-insight/learning-from-patient-safety-events/learn-from-patient-safety-events-service/https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/patient-safetyhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/patient-safety-involvement/framework-for-involving-patients-in-patient-safety/Other measures include implementing Martha’s Rule in 143 hospital sites, which has led to hundreds of life-saving interventions and changes to care that have avoided harm, and implementation of scrutiny by medical examiners of all deaths that are not investigated by a coroner, in order to facilitate learning and improvement at a local level.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent attacks on churches in El Fasher, North Darfur; and what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect religious minorities and (b) promote human rights and humanitarian access amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The UK condemns the reported bombing of churches in El Fasher, North Darfur, which killed and injured multiple people. We will continue to recognise the issue of Christian persecution globally, alongside the persecution of other individuals on the basis of their religion or belief. Our Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief, David Smith, made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 4 March, highlighting our concerns regarding the coercion of non-Muslims in Sudan to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid, and education. We are also providing support to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to enable their human rights monitoring and reporting, and in October 2024, led the renewal of the UN Fact Finding Mission for Sudan's mandate as part of the Sudan 'Core Group' in the UNHRC. On 15 April, following the Sudan London Conference, the co-chairs' statement called on relevant parties to allow and facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of need through all necessary routes in adherence with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

What steps he is taking to support women with postpartum psychosis.

The Government continues to increase spending on specialist community perinatal mental health services every year. Integrated care boards spent £212 million in 2024/25, which is an increase of £18 million compared to the £194 million spent in 2023/24. In addition, £58 million was spent on mother and baby units in 2023/24.Mother and baby units are specialist, in-patient units for some women who experience severe mental health difficulties during pregnancy, or after the birth of their child. These units specialise in treating severe mental conditions, including postpartum psychosis. Care is provided by specialist professionals, including perinatal mental health nurses, nursery nurses, perinatal psychiatrists, psychologists, and occupational therapists.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Nigerian counterpart following the killing of up to 200 internally displaced Christians in Yelewata, Benue State.

While the UK Government has not yet discussed the violent attacks on 13 June, UK officials have been actively engaging on broader security issues in Benue State. On 10 June, UK officials met Mr. Dickson Tarkighir, Member of the House of Representatives for Makurdi/Guma in Benue State and Chair of the House Committee on Constituency Outreach to discuss the root causes of insecurity in the region. The UK also maintains regular dialogue with key Nigerian institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), and the Office of Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) to address conflict in Nigeria's middle belt. During his visit to Nigeria between 28-30 May, the Minister for Africa raised Freedom of Religion and Belief and the root causes of insecurity in discussions with Nigerian counterparts, including the Foreign Minister and Deputy Speaker.

How much funding was allocated to immunisation programmes in each financial year since 2022-23.

We have interpreted “allocated” here to mean overall expenditure on vaccination and immunisation programmes. The expenditure by NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on vaccination and immunisation programmes, including associated costs, is set out below. In total, the expenditure on vaccination and immunisation programmes across NHS England and the UKHSA was approximately:£1.8 billion in 2022/23;£2.5 billion in 2023/24; and£2.2 billion in 2024/25.These figures cover spend across England, except for COVID-19 vaccine procurement and associated costs, which are on a United Kingdom-wide basis.

Whether she plans to review the threshold at which miscarriage of justice claimants can claim for compensation.

Individuals who have had their convictions quashed following an out of time appeal are eligible to apply for compensation through the statutory Miscarriages of Justice Application Service (MOJAS). The Law Commission is currently undertaking a review of the criminal appeals process, including the MOJAS scheme and the test for compensation. I will be considering their findings once their review is complete.

What steps his Department is taking to improve glaucoma care through the forthcoming NHS 10-Year Plan.

The 10-Year Health Plan will deliver the three big shifts our National Health Service needs to be fit for the future, from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention. All of these are relevant to preventing and managing conditions such as glaucoma in all parts of the country.More tests and scans delivered in the community and better joint working between services, will support the management of conditions including glaucoma, closer to home.The plan will draw directly from the extensive engagement we have undertaken with the public, patients, and staff, including in the eye care sector. We are in the final stages of working on the plan and will publish it shortly.

Whether she is taking steps to measure the potential impact of active travel funding on the number and proportion of trips (a) walked, (b) wheeled and (c) cycled.

The Department for Transport and Active Travel England have developed a number of tools that measure the potential impact on numbers and proportions of people walking and cycling of active travel investment. This includes tools to enable local authorities to estimate increases in walking and cycling and the associated cost-benefit case for individual active travel schemes and the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS) Model.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterparts on the AUKUS defence pact.

AUKUS is a landmark partnership which enhances UK deterrence, supports UK growth, and strengthens Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. The Foreign Secretary regularly discusses AUKUS with his US counterparts. He most recently raised AUKUS with Secretary Rubio when he visited Washington DC in June. In April at the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, he and Secretary Rubio both mentioned Indo-Pacific security as a challenge our countries are working together to address, including through AUKUS. In January, the Foreign Secretary discussed the partnership in his very first call with Secretary Rubio.

What steps he is taking to encourage Commonwealth citizens to join the British Army.

Commonwealth citizens have long made a valued contribution to the British Army and continue to be an important part of its structure and capability. There is always a strong interest in joining the Army. This can result in thousands of applications being received, which must be managed against the Army’s annual limit of 1,000 Basic Training starts for Commonwealth applicants and the 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth citizens who can serve in each cap badge. In August 2024, the Army re-opened the recruitment window, accepting applications from Commonwealth citizens sponsored by Serving personnel under the Recruit Bounty Scheme. This was limited to specific roles, including Musician, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, Royal Engineer Technician and Tradesman, and the Parachute Regiment. This initiative generated a high volume of applications from across the Commonwealth. The recruitment of Commonwealth citizens is subject to regular review by the Army to ensure it remains aligned with operational requirements. At present, the Commonwealth recruiting pipeline is forecast to remain closed in the medium term due to the sheer volume of applications during the 2024-25 recruitment window, which Capita continue to process. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that Commonwealth personnel and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

What his Department's planned timetable is for the rollout of histotripsy treatment through the NHS.

Histotripsy is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that destroys tumours without the need for surgery or radiation. It is delivered through the Edison System, developed by HistoSonics, which is one of eight transformative technologies supported through the Government’s Innovative Devices Access Pathway pilot, which aims to streamline patient access to medical devices that address an unmet clinical need in the National Health Service.At this stage, the detailed timetable for the potential NHS rollout of histotripsy treatment is still under development. The Department is working with system partners to determine the most appropriate, effective, and equitable approach and aims to communicate this later in the summer. Our aim is to ensure that any rollout is informed by ongoing evidence, supports early adoption in appropriate sites, and aligns with wider NHS priorities.

What steps she is taking to encourage people who do not regularly exercise to become more active through the Active Travel Fund.

In February, the Department and ATE announced £8.5 million of funding over 25/26 for Cycling UK, Living Streets and Modeshift to deliver walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives in schools and communities, including a focus on less physically active groups. In addition, ATE has allocated £40.5 million in revenue funding over 25/26 for local authorities through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund. This funding can be used by local authorities to deliver outreach schemes and complements Bikeability funding for school children and Active Travel Social Prescribing Pilots underway in some authorities.

Whether her Department plans to increase the number of hours of PE lessons available to schoolchildren to help tackle obesity.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The government has committed to support more children to be active by protecting time for physical education (PE) and by empowering more schools to provide high-quality PE for all pupils.PE is a compulsory subject in the national curriculum for all four key stages and aims to ensure pupils lead healthy and active lives. The department does not mandate time for any subject, including PE.On 19 June, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, announced next steps for the future of PE and sport in schools. The government will co-design PE and School Sport Partnership networks with the sector. We are looking to develop and build strong partnerships between schools, National Governing Bodies, local organisations and clubs, with the aim of increasing equal access for children to high-quality PE and extracurricular sport. Further details, including funding, will be outlined in due course and we expect to launch the partnerships from autumn 2026.The department also launched an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review in 2024 which seeks to deliver a curriculum which is rich and broad, inclusive and innovative, so that all children and young people do not miss out on subjects such as music, art, PE and drama. The interim report was published in March 2025, and the final report will be published in the autumn with the government’s response. Departmental officials are now working on the next phase of the Review, which is considering subject-specific issues including PE, and are working with external experts.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential link between oral health and diabetes.

The Government recognises that patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing severe gum disease.Patients with diabetes need to access effective dental care and local pathways should be developed to support this. Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for assessing the needs of their population and for ensuring that the relevant dental services are available. The NHS England commissioning standard on dental care for people with diabetes provides guidance to ICBs on how to ensure these patients can access the care they need. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/commissioning-standard-dental-care-for-people-with-diabetes/

If he will make an estimate of the number of sick days that were taken by people with osteoporosis in the last 12 months.

The Department has not collected data over the last 12 months on the number of sick days that were taken by people with osteoporosis specifically.The Office for National Statistics publishes data on the annual sickness absence rates of workers in the United Kingdom’s labour market, including the number of days lost by reason. This includes 26.5 million days lost through sickness absence in 2024 in the UK, with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems listed as the reason. MSK problems will include osteoporosis, however disaggregated data is not available as part of the publication. Further information on sickness absence in the UK labour market is available at the following link:https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/datasets/sicknessabsenceinthelabourmarket

What steps she is taking to prevent vandalism on war memorials.

The Government is committed to protecting war memorials from vandalism and disrespect. Causing criminal damage to such memorials is a serious offence, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.The Crime and Policing Bill introduces an additional new offence of climbing on specified memorials without a lawful excuse, including the Cenotaph in Whitehall and the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, reinforcing our efforts to safeguard these important sites.It is a matter of deep regret that His Majesty’s Official Opposition chose to vote against these measures at the Third Reading of the Crime and Policing Bill on 18 June.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing the age at which breast screening begins to 30.

Women under the age of 50 years old are not routinely screened for breast cancer due to the lower risk of women under this age developing breast cancer, and the fact that women under 50 years old tend to have denser breasts. The denseness of breast tissue reduces the ability of getting an accurate mammogram, the accepted screening test for breast cancer.However, the UK National Screening Committee keeps the age brackets under review. The committee recognises that screening programmes are not static and that, over time, they may need to change to be more effective. There are currently two trials under way that will help inform future decisions relating to breast screening. The AgeX trial is looking at extending the upper and lower age brackets, and BRAID is looking at alternative methods of screening for women with dense breasts. The committee will consider the findings of these trials as they become available.

What steps he is taking to reduce NHS dermatology waiting lists.

Cutting waiting lists is a key priority for the Government. The Department is committed to ensuring that the proportion of patients waiting no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment, including for dermatology services, returns to 92% by March 2029, and to 65% by March 2026.NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme is working to improve waiting times through its established Further Faster programme to transform patient pathways and improve access and waiting times for patients. Dermatology is one of 24 specialties in focus for GIRFT’s Further Faster work.A Further Faster handbook for dermatology has been produced to share best practice, and the GIRFT team is carrying out regular visits to, and meetings with, challenged departments in order to provide support in improving performance across dermatology.