Written questions by Anderson.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has considered the potential impact of delaying local elections in 2026 on levels of public trust in (a) the Government and (b) the UK’s democratic system.

This government takes democracy very seriously. In the spirit of devolution and trusting local leaders we have listened to councils telling us about the capacity constraints they are operating within and the work that reorganisation introduces on top of existing challenges. On 18 December I invited councils undergoing local government reorganisation with local elections in May 2026 to set out their views on the postponement of their local election and if they consider this could release essential capacity to deliver local government reorganisation. We have been transparent about this process and will consider all the representations we receive. The Secretary of State will consider the position of each council individually, weighing up the evidence received.

If the Government will declare a national emergency regarding the cross Channel small boat migration crisis.

The number of small boat crossings is too high and this Government is taking action. The Home Secretary has announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in decades, removing the incentives that bring illegal migrants to the UK and scaling up the return of those with no right to be here.The Border Security Command is central to this effort, bringing together law enforcement, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation to disrupt smuggling networks and bring perpetrators to justice. For the first time, we have mobilised the whole of government and all operational partners to deliver a coordinated and prioritised range of activities in the UK and with partners overseas. Our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which came into force on 5 January 2026, provides new powers to seize electronic devices from illegal migrants and introduces offences targeting small boat smuggling and concealment in vehicles. These measures strengthen our ability to disrupt organised immigration crime and reduce irregular migration.Disruption of organised crime groups has intensified, increasing domestic action against organised immigration crime (OIC) via enhanced powers and intensified law enforcement operations, targeting upstream facilitators, disrupting OIC business models via targeting, the illicit financial flows, small boat equipment supply chains and online networks of organised crime groups (OCG)s.We have boosted the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) capabilities through an extra £100 million funding which will pay for up to 300 extra NCA officers, state-of-the art detection technology and new equipment to smash the networks putting lives at risk in the Channel. This approach is working; the year ending September 2025, there were 3,162 OIC disruptions conducted by public bodies, 33% more than in the previous year (2,374). The number of OIC disruptions has steadily increased from an average of 392 disruptions per quarter in 2023, to 791 per quarter in the latest year.

Whether his Department holds data on much money the Armed Forces have spent on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programmes in each of the last three years.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 6 May 2025 to Question 49058 to the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay.

What data her Department holds on trends in the level of alcohol related antisocial behaviour.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes quarterly data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) on the percentage of respondents who reported antisocial behaviour in their area, broken down by type of ASB. This includes “Drink related behaviour”, “Loud music or other noise” and “vehicle related behaviour”. This can be found in tables D1 to D3 of the Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables here: Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables - Office for National StatisticsThe Home Office additionally collects and publishes information on the number of antisocial behaviour incidents recorded by the police; broken down by the 3 ASB types of “Personal”, “Nuisance” and “Environmental” - however whether these incidents were related to alcohol, noise or nuisance bikers is not separately identifiable. This data can also be found in Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables in tables D4 to D5

What data her Department holds on trends in the level of antisocial behaviour relating to noise.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes quarterly data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) on the percentage of respondents who reported antisocial behaviour in their area, broken down by type of ASB. This includes “Drink related behaviour”, “Loud music or other noise” and “vehicle related behaviour”. This can be found in tables D1 to D3 of the Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables here: Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables - Office for National StatisticsThe Home Office additionally collects and publishes information on the number of antisocial behaviour incidents recorded by the police; broken down by the 3 ASB types of “Personal”, “Nuisance” and “Environmental” - however whether these incidents were related to alcohol, noise or nuisance bikers is not separately identifiable. This data can also be found in Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables in tables D4 to D5

What data her Department holds on trends in the level of antisocial behaviour relating to nuisance bikers.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes quarterly data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) on the percentage of respondents who reported antisocial behaviour in their area, broken down by type of ASB. This includes “Drink related behaviour”, “Loud music or other noise” and “vehicle related behaviour”. This can be found in tables D1 to D3 of the Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables here: Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables - Office for National StatisticsThe Home Office additionally collects and publishes information on the number of antisocial behaviour incidents recorded by the police; broken down by the 3 ASB types of “Personal”, “Nuisance” and “Environmental” - however whether these incidents were related to alcohol, noise or nuisance bikers is not separately identifiable. This data can also be found in Crime in England and Wales: Appendix tables in tables D4 to D5

If she will give police further powers to combat antisocial drug smoking within houses.

The police, local authorities and other relevant agencies already have a range of flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond to anti-social behaviour, including drug misuse. This includes the powers provided by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, such as the Closure Power, which the police and councils can use to close premises which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder, and the power provided under Section 17 (1) (b) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) for police officers to enter a property without a warrant to arrest a person for an indictable offence, where there are reasonable grounds for believing the person is on the premises.It is unlawful to possess or supply controlled drugs without a Home Office licence and we expect the police to enforce the law, but the use of such powers is an operational decision and, as with all intrusive police powers, must be exercised in a lawful, necessary, proportionate and accountable way, in accordance with the PACE Codes of Practice.Drug Testing on Arrest (DToA) is another key tool that helps the police to identify individuals who have been using illicit drugs and support them to change their behaviour and reduce future offending. Through the Crime and Policing Bill we are expanding the offences which can trigger a test and enhancing powers to widen the range of drugs that can be tested for.Tacking anti-social behaviour, including dug misuse, is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. We have committed to adding 13,000 neighbourhood police and community support officers into local communities and ensuring residents have a named officer they can turn to when things go wrong, and we remain committed to working across public health, education, policing and wider public services on prevention to drive down drug use and ensure more people receive timely intervention and support.

What background checks her Department conducts on migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The Home Office conducts mandatory identity and security checks on all small boat arrivals.As part of this process, the Home Office collects biometric data—such as facial images and fingerprints—to establish identity. These biometrics are checked against Home Office systems and other law enforcement databases, including Interpol’s wanted list. This enables us to identify individuals, assess whether they pose a risk to public safety, and determine any breaches of immigration law. These checks are essential to maintaining a secure, fair, and effective immigration system.In line with the Refugee Convention, refugee status will be denied to those who have committed serious crimes, pose a danger to the community, or present a threat to national security.

What data her Department holds on trends in the number of offences for driving under the influence of (a) alcohol and (b) drugs.

The Home Office collects information on the number of notifiable offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, including the number of ‘Causing death by careless driving under influence of drink or drugs’ offences. These are published on a quarterly basis, and can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/police-recorded-crime-and-outcomes-open-data-tablesIt is not possible to separately identify which of these offences relate to alcohol and which relate to drugs.There are a number of summary only offences relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which do not result in death, but these are not collected by the Home Office, as they are not notifiable offences.The Home Office also collects and publishes data on the number of roadside alcohol screening breath tests carried out by police in England and Wales, on an annual basis, as part of the ‘Police powers and procedures: Roads policing’ statistical bulletin. The most recent data, up to 2023, can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-powers-and-procedures-roads-policing-to-december-2023

What data her Department holds on trends in the level of drug misuse crime.

The ONS publishes data from Crime Survey in England and Wales on the extent and trends of illicit drug use and it can be found here:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/drugmisuseinenglandandwalesappendixtableThe Home Office publishes police recorded crime data for trafficking of drugs and possession of drugs and it can be found here:https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/crimeinenglandandwalesappendixtables/yearendingjune2025/crimeinenglandandwalesappendixtablesyejun2025final.xlsx

What assessment she has made about the potential merits of making all Ofsted inspections unannounced.

Ofsted typically gives a short period of notice of its inspections. This supports the effective conduct of the inspection visit. Ofsted also has the ability to inspect without notice where it has concerns about a provider.

What steps her department is taking to ensure all nursery staff receive sufficient training regarding safe sleep for babies.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, which all early years providers are required to follow, includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidanceThe Early Years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements that staff must meet to work within early years settings. Both the Level 2 and Level 3 qualification criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision. This document is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance, which is available on the Foundation Years platform. This covers unsuitable sleeping products, suitable sleeping surfaces and the safe use of blankets. This guidance can be found at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/.To make the existing requirements clearer for all, we plan to add further detail to the EYFS frameworks. We have worked with safer sleep experts, including The Lullaby Trust, on proposed new wording and plan to introduce these changes as soon as possible.

What recent assessment her Department has made about the effectiveness of the Early years foundation stage statutory framework in offering sufficient guidance on safe sleep for babies.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, which all early years providers are required to follow, includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidanceThe Early Years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements that staff must meet to work within early years settings. Both the Level 2 and Level 3 qualification criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision. This document is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance, which is available on the Foundation Years platform. This covers unsuitable sleeping products, suitable sleeping surfaces and the safe use of blankets. This guidance can be found at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/.To make the existing requirements clearer for all, we plan to add further detail to the EYFS frameworks. We have worked with safer sleep experts, including The Lullaby Trust, on proposed new wording and plan to introduce these changes as soon as possible.

Whether the Government has plans to increase levels of safe sleep regulations for babies in the Early years foundation stage statutory framework.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, which all early years providers are required to follow, includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidanceThe Early Years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements that staff must meet to work within early years settings. Both the Level 2 and Level 3 qualification criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision. This document is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance, which is available on the Foundation Years platform. This covers unsuitable sleeping products, suitable sleeping surfaces and the safe use of blankets. This guidance can be found at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/.To make the existing requirements clearer for all, we plan to add further detail to the EYFS frameworks. We have worked with safer sleep experts, including The Lullaby Trust, on proposed new wording and plan to introduce these changes as soon as possible.

How many people living in Home Office supported asylum accommodation have been accused of a crime.

The Home Office does not hold data on the number of people in asylum accommodation who have been accused of a crime. Allegations of criminal activity are matters for the police, who are responsible for recording, investigating, and progressing criminal reports.Home Office accommodation providers and operational staff work closely with local police forces to share relevant safeguarding information and to manage risks within the asylum accommodation estate. Where incidents occur, established processes ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect both asylum seekers and staff, and additional support is deployed where necessary.

If she will make an estimate on the number of international students in British universities she expects to be part of Erasmus scheme exchanges after the UK rejoins the scheme.

In 2018/19, there were approximately 31,000 inbound higher education student mobilities via the Erasmus+ Programme. There were approximately 16,000 outbound higher education student mobilities in the same year.The department expects there will be a greater number of higher education mobilities on reassociation, given the expansion of the programme.

What steps she is taking to improve safeguarding practices at (a) nurseries and (b) childcare centres.

The safety of our youngest children is our utmost priority, and the department continually monitors and strengthens safeguarding requirements across early years settings, including nurseries and childcare centres.In September 2025, we implemented changes to the early years foundation stage statutory framework to strengthen safeguarding requirements across early years settings. These changes include enhanced expectations on safer recruitment, child absences, safer eating, safeguarding training and whistleblowing.The department works closely with local authorities and other safeguarding partners to strengthen multi-agency safeguarding. Through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are seeking to require the automatic involvement of education and childcare settings in local safeguarding arrangements, ensuring their views are represented.In addition, we have appointed an expert panel to inform the development of guidance for the early years sector on the use of digital devices and CCTV within safeguarding. This guidance is due to be published in the autumn and will set out best practice, technical information and clear expectations for providers.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to raise at the United Nations the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

I refer the Hon Member to the written ministerial statement published on 27 November 2025 (HCWS1105).

How much their Department has spent on (a) advertising and (b) marketing in each of the last three years.

Over the last three financial years, the department spent the following on advertising: 2023-24: Nil2024-25: £20,248.402025-26 to date: £26,751.60 The advertising spend was on the UK Government campaign to promote the availability of the UK Government and Tata Steel Transition Board funding. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the support available to steelworkers affected by the decarbonisation transition at Tata Steel UK in Port Talbot, including access to skills funding for those leaving the business. It also highlighted funding opportunities for local businesses impacted by the transition. There has been no spend on marketing during this period.

How much their Department has spent on (a) advertising and (b) marketing in each of the last three years.

HMT’s spend on advertising and marketing in the last three financial years can be found summarized in the below table: Financial Year(a) Advertising(b) Marketing2023/24£0£02024/25£2,518,240.26*£02025/26 (as at November 2025)£0£0 *All expenditure on advertising/marketing in 2024/25 can be attributed to costs associated with the sale of Natwest shares, which was entirely recharged back to Natwest group.