Written questions by Shannon.

When the devolved nations will receive their redress payments for the infected blood scandal.

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is a UK-wide body, established by the Victims and Prisoners Act to administer the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme to victims of the infected blood scandal across the UK. IBCA began making payments to people impacted by the infected blood scandal last year. As of 21 February, IBCA has invited 204 people to start their compensation claim, and 149 of those have started the claim process. 38 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £48 million, and so far 22 people have accepted their offers with more than £25 million paid in compensation. IBCA are increasing the number of people invited to make their claim and help test the service, and they aim to reach around 250 claims by the end of March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the damage cause by Storm Eowyn to housing.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 sets out that the planning system should take full account of all climate impacts, including storm and flood risk. Planning should help to ensure that development minimises vulnerability and improves resilience to the effects of climate change. The Framework sets out overarching policy on flood risk from all sources. It states that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding, whether an existing or a potential future risk, should be avoided. Where no alternative sites are available, permission should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that it will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the condition of the water in the River Thames.

Cleaning up England’s rivers, lakes and seas is a priority for the Government. The Government has taken immediate and substantial action to address the performance of water companies who are not delivering for the environment or their customers. Significant steps are being taken to address pollution through the Water (Special Measures) Act and record investment in PR24 to enhance infrastructure, and ensure clean and sustainable water resources for future generations. As part of Price Review 24 (PR24), Thames Water will undertake a significant investment programme to improve the environment over the 2025-30 period. These investments include: £784 million to reduce the use of storm overflows and £1.2 billion to prevent nutrient pollution. At the beginning of February, the Thames Tideway Tunnel (TTT) was fully activated and is now diverting sewage flows away from the river. The TTT was the final part of the London Tideway Tunnel system which will help reduce the volume of discharges by around 95%, leaving behind a cleaner, healthier Thames. On 13 March, the Mayor of London announced plans for investment to clean up London’s rivers. The Mayor, Transport for London, Thames Tideway, London Wildlife Trust, and Thames Water announced an injection of over £1.8 billion across the next five years to protect and improve river health in London. The plans include £7 million to prevent road run-off pollution from entering waterways and help reduce flood risk.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the number and proportion of military personnel who are female.

Our thoughts remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death in December 2021 was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her. There is no place for any abuse within the military. I am deeply troubled that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces. Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and we are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform. The Service Chiefs fully endorse and support this work. A range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families. To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond. We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.

What steps she is taking to support people claiming (a) Jobseekers Allowance, (b) Employment and Support Allowance and (c) Universal Credit to find employment.

This Government is committed to achieving an 80% employment rate by implementing a locally led system of work, skills and health support for all who are economically inactive by bringing together existing locally delivered employment support into a single, coherent offer that is part of local growth plans. Backed by £240m funding, the Get Britain Working White Paper focuses on building a thriving labour market, reducing economic inactivity, and increasing the number of people in work. Key proposals include:Creating a new jobs and careers service by merging Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service in England to support more people into work and help them progress in their careers.Introducing a Youth Guarantee for all 18-21 year olds in England, ensuring they have access to education, training, or help to find work.Developing local Get Britain Working plans to tackle economic inactivity at a local level, led by Mayors and local areas.Launching the Keep Britain Working review, an independent review into the role of UK employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces.Reforming health and disability benefits to support people who can work to remain in or start employment.

How many complaints have been received by the NHS England in the last 12 months for which the latest data is available.

NHS England has received 275 complaints in the 12-month period from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu on freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

The UK Government proactively raises cases where blasphemy legislation has been used to restrict human rights with the Nigerian authorities and opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, including in the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. We will continue to raise Mr Sharif-Aminu's case as he appeals his sentence. Dialogue on human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), is a vital part of the UK's partnership with Nigeria. The right of individuals to express their beliefs or non-belief is essential to a free and open society.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made as assessment of the potential impact of RNA pesticides on the bee population.

Defra has not made an assessment of the potential impact of RNA pesticides on the bee population. At present, there are no RNA interference plant protection products (PPPs) authorised for use in GB. Should anyone wish to market an RNA interference PPP for professional use in GB, they must first submit an application to the independent regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who would complete a thorough risk assessment before making a decision on authorisation. Any application would need to meet the data requirements outlined in GB’s PPP regulations (more information can be found on HSE’s website: Data Requirements Introduction and Index). All active substances and commercial products must show no unacceptable effects on people or wildlife. This includes an evaluation of the effect on bees; if this is failed, then no authorisation is given.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his German counterpart on the current investigation into allegations that Riol Chemie GmbH supplied toxic chemicals to Russia.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not had discussions with his German counterpart regarding their investigation into the German company Riol-Chemie GmbH for suppling toxic chemicals to Russia. We work closely with our allies and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to prevent the proliferation and deter the use of chemical weapons. On 8 October 2024, the UK announced sanctions on Russia's Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, its commander Igor Kirillov, and two of its subordinate laboratories for their involvement in the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. We will continue to work with our partners to uphold and protect the Chemical Weapons Convention's ban on the development, production, transfer or use of chemical weapons.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of flight delays at Heathrow Airport on the economy in the last 12 months.

Delays at airports can impact passengers, airlines, airports and the environment. They can cause inconvenience to passengers and productivity impacts for business travellers. UK aviation operates in the private sector. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the sector to manage demand, ensuring appropriate contingency plans to minimise any potential disruption and put the consumer first. The information requested regarding the potential impact of flight delays at Heathrow Airport on the economy is not held centrally, and there are no current plans to make an estimate.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the spread of respiratory syncytial virus on hospital capacity.

Through the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Watch programme, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) undertakes surveillance of hospitalisation rates in different age groups for confirmed cases of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in England. These rates are published weekly through the winter.The UKHSA also undertakes monitoring and evaluation of immunisation programmes, including the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing hospital admissions. Monitoring and evaluation work has begun for the new RSV programmes which launched in September 2024 to protect infants through maternal vaccination and for the direct protection of older adults. Findings will be published in due course.

What steps she is taking to tackle ageism.

Age discrimination that cannot be objectively justified is unacceptable and unlawful across a range of fields under the Equality Act 2010 and similar legislation (on employment) in Northern Ireland. The strong protections in the 2010 Act enable older people to challenge such behaviour and ultimately seek redress in the courts or, where relevant, at an employment tribunal. More widely, the Government's £240 million Get Britain Working package will improve support for people, including older people, who are economically inactive, unemployed or want to develop their careers. The Department for Work and Pensions currently offers employment support through Jobcentres and tailored one-to-one support for eligible over 50s on Universal Credit, as well as 'Midlife MOT' reviews to help older workers to review their health, finances and skills to prevent poverty in later life.

What assessment he has made of the contribution of the devolved Administrations to meeting the UK's net zero target.

The Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change Interministerial Group (IMG) supports the UK's net zero targets by coordinating engagement and promoting collaboration between UK and devolved governments. The devolved governments have significantly contributed through initiatives in renewable energy and sustainability. The next IMG meeting, chaired by NI Ministers, will be on 6 March in Belfast.

What guidance her Department has issued to Northern Ireland businesses on the applicability of duty on goods bought from a supplier in England and sold in Northern Ireland to other Northern Ireland (a) businesses and (b) customers.

HMRC has published extensive guidance in respect of goods movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, including setting out when duty is liable. The UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) enables eligible goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland to move without incurring duty. Where duty is paid and the business can evidence the goods did not enter the EU, this can be reclaimed via the Duty Reimbursement Scheme. Further information can be found at: Moving goods you bring into Northern Ireland as 'not at risk’ of moving to the EU - GOV.UK

If he will have discussions with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on the potential merits of delivering combined cataract and glaucoma procedures to help reduce pressures on ophthalmic waiting lists.

Health is a devolved matter. Combined treatment for glaucoma and cataracts can already be considered when clinically appropriate, taking into account the patient’s wishes and the best available evidence.

What estimate he has made of the number of cases of (a) avoidable skin infections, (b) pressure ulcers and (c) urinary tract infections that were (i) caused or (ii) aggravated by using continence products that are not clinically appropriate in the last 12 months; and how much the annual cost was to (A) NHS England and (B) social care as a result of (1) additional treatments being required, (2) laundry and other associated costs, including energy and (3) associated staff time.

Neither the Department nor NHS England hold this information, although this type of data may be recorded and monitored at an individual trust level. Whilst trusts will report the incidence of associated adverse outcomes, such as pressure ulcers, it is unlikely that the cause will be correlated to the product used.

If she will take steps to increase penalties for repeat offenders for crimes against women.

Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for this Government. Violence against women and girls is a term which encapsulates a wide range of behaviours and offences including domestic abuse, so-called honour-based abuse and sexual offences, many of which carry high maximum penalties, including life imprisonment. It does not relate to any single offence.Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent courts. When deciding what sentence to impose, courts must consider the circumstances of the case, including the culpability of the offender, the harm they caused, and any aggravating and mitigating factors.Section 65 of Sentencing Act 2020 provides a statutory aggravating factor, that a court must ‘treat each previous conviction as an aggravating factor if (in the case of that conviction) the court considers that it can reasonably be so treated having regard’. Judges must consider the appropriate level of any sentence uplift justified by the factor, as part of considering the full circumstances of the case.The Government is of course dedicated to ensuring that the harm caused by this form of offending is appropriately and proportionally reflected in the sentencing framework. Our manifesto committed to a review of sentencing to ensure the framework is up to date. The Independent Sentencing Review has been asked to specifically look at the sentencing of offences primarily committed against women and girls.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help stop the persecution of Christians in South East Asia; and if he will have discussions with his ASEAN counterparts on protecting (a) Christians and (b) churches.

The UK Government champions, and remains strongly committed to, freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), our bilateral work, and our programme funding. The UK continues to hold countries to account on their FoRB commitments and obligations, including South East Asian nations, through our engagement with the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and at the UN Human Rights Council. This work is mutually reinforcing of our wider human rights efforts, underpinning our belief that human rights are universal.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to promote the John Bunyan Fund for Freedom of Religion and Belief.

The UK Government champions, and remains strongly committed to, freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) John Bunyan Fund (JBF), the designated programme for FoRB-focused overseas projects, has a budget allocation of £460,720 in financial year (FY) 2024/25. The FCDO works to ensure that Official Development Assistance (ODA) is allocated to those who are most vulnerable and most in need of this assistance irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity. This includes minority religious or belief communities, including Christians, who are assessed by our partners when determining those most in need of protection and assistance.

How many referrals to cardiology there were in 2024.

There were 1,007,365 referrals to cardiology in England in 2024. The data is publicly available on NHS England’s website, at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/