Written questions by Wrigley.

If she will allow Ukrainians resident in the UK to apply for (a) working and (b) global talent visas.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the appointment of the new chair of the Competition and Markets Authority on regulation of competition in UK markets.

The Secretary of State has welcomed the appointment of Doug Gurr as interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”). Doug Gurr has a wealth of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur. Along with the CMA Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, he has initiated a programme of work to improve Pace, Predictability, Proportionality and Process across the CMA’s activities to support growth and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers. The government is supporting this work through the new growth-focused Strategic Steer to the CMA and a new Framework Agreement to be published later this year.

What steps he is taking with European allies to jointly (a) procure and (b) stockpile defence equipment; and if he will make it his policy to work with European allies to coordinate mutual large-scale rearmament.

Europe faces a generational threat to our shared security. As part of strengthening our international relationships this Government will seek an ambitious, broad-based UK-EU security partnership to protect the UK and EU and enhance cooperation on the threats we collectively face. We will seek a new geopolitical partnership with the EU that drives closer coordination and complements our unshakable commitment to NATO, which will remain the foremost vehicle for European security. The need for collective European and NATO industrial and procurement initiatives is apparent in programmes such as the European Long-Range Strike Approach, the DIAMOND integrated air and missile defence initiative and NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan and Multinational Procurement initiatives. Collective procurement will deliver more of the capabilities we need across the continent and enhance our shared deterrence. This Government recognises the vital role the UK’s defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.

For what reason Ukrainian humanitarian visas are excluded from the 10-year route to residency based on nationality.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.

If he will take steps with Versus Arthritis to improve the quality of data that his Department publishes on arthritis.

The Department of Health and Social Care will continue to work with Versus Arthritis as we consider how best to support people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as arthritis. Data on MSK health, including arthritis, is published on Fingertips, and is available at the following link:https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/msk/dataIntegrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their populations. To support this, the Department of Health and Social Care is delivering the Getting It Right First Time MSK Community Delivery Programme jointly with NHS England and the Department for Work and Pensions. With a £3.5 million funding boost as part of the programme, ICBs will assess their current MSK services and share examples of best practice, roll out innovative ways of working, as well as improving data on how services are performing.The implementation of Secure Data Environments (SDEs), allowing National Health Service data to be accessed through secure platforms rather than shared with researchers, will support safer and more secure access to health and care data for secondary uses, such as research into prevalence and impact. This is being delivered through major investment in digital infrastructure across the NHS in England, including the NHS Research SDE Network, funded by the Data for Research and Development programme.The Single Patient Record will also give clinicians in different settings access to comprehensive records on a person's health, so that they have the information they need to make the best-informed decisions when delivering care and treatment.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to Question 34414 on Climate and Nature Bill, tabled by the hon. Member for Newton Abbot on 27 February 2025.

Question 34414 was answered on 3 April 2025.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her proposed reforms to the welfare system on the poverty rate for households with at least one disabled (a) child and (b) adult.

No assessment has been made on this basis.Definitions of disability in the Policy Simulation Model, which is used to model poverty impacts of a policy, differ from those used in the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) poverty statistics. It has therefore not been possible to estimate the impact of the package on the level of poverty amongst individuals living in families with a disabled person, as this requires an estimate to be made using the HBAI definition. However, given the balance of the package we would expect much of the increase in poverty to be focused amongst individuals in this family type.The government's impact assessment regarding Health and Disability Reform is available at Spring Statement 2025 health and disability benefit reforms - Impacts.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the economy of Devon.

I am disappointed by the announcement of an increase in tariffs by the United States, which are not in anyone’s interest, and we understand businesses across the country are concerned. The government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US. And we will continue to engage with them, to understand some of the details of how tariffs will be implemented. We are resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and we will continue to engage with businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. In addition, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK’s response to US tariffs.

Whether she is taking steps to ensure police forces conduct due diligence in preventing crimes involving legally held firearms.

The Firearms Act 1968 gives responsibility for issuing firearms licences to Chief Officers of Police. Since November 2021, however, Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires police forces to make robust checks on the suitability of applicants to hold a license and ensure their subsequent continuous assessment. The application process is supported by the police Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.We keep firearms licensing controls under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms. Firearms licensing fees were increased on 5 February 2025, giving effect to a commitment in the Government’s manifesto. The extra income from fees will help police forces to better resource and train their firearms licensing teams.There were four firearms-related homicides by licence holders in England and Wales in the year ending March 2024. While other statistics are published which indicate the types of firearms involved in criminal offences, they do not always show whether the firearm used was legally held.

What information his Department holds on whether any UK firms with Russian holdings are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia.

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold any specific data on UK firms that are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia. UK businesses must comply with our sanctions, which form an extensive regime to constrain the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war. It is a decision for individual UK businesses on whether and how to divest from Russia in compliance with UK sanctions.

Whether her Department has reviewed statistical evidence on the use of legally held firearms in criminal activities.

The Firearms Act 1968 gives responsibility for issuing firearms licences to Chief Officers of Police. Since November 2021, however, Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires police forces to make robust checks on the suitability of applicants to hold a license and ensure their subsequent continuous assessment. The application process is supported by the police Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.We keep firearms licensing controls under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms. Firearms licensing fees were increased on 5 February 2025, giving effect to a commitment in the Government’s manifesto. The extra income from fees will help police forces to better resource and train their firearms licensing teams.There were four firearms-related homicides by licence holders in England and Wales in the year ending March 2024. While other statistics are published which indicate the types of firearms involved in criminal offences, they do not always show whether the firearm used was legally held.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 36240 on Zoos: Animal Breeding, how many civil servants are working on negotiating a UK-EU Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary agreement.

On 19 May the UK and EU announced the terms of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement that we will now negotiate, in addition to the Government announcing recent deals with India and the USA, and further deals in the pipeline. These deals will make agrifood trade with key markets cheaper and easier, cutting costs and red tape for British producers and retailers, and boosting exports. Defra’s trade staff work flexibly across trade deals according to demand.

If he will bring forward legislative proposals to introduce a magistral phage model to allow UK phages to be produced without requiring GMP licensing.

In its March 2024 response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on bacteriophages, the Government acknowledged the challenges in manufacturing phage materials in the United Kingdom, including the requirement to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The principles of GMP are considered necessary to ensure the medicines are of the appropriate quality, safety, and efficacy. The Government committed to considering the case for the development of a UK-based GMP facility to support phage innovators.In parallel, the Government is engaging with professional regulators and the specialist pharmacy service to clarify how existing regulations address liability for the use of non-GMP produced phages. Unlicensed phages can currently be used in the UK for compassionate cases with appropriate controls. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will be publishing regulatory considerations for therapeutic use of bacteriophages in the UK in the second quarter of 2025, which will offer guidance on these matters.

If he will make a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of phage therapy regulatory frameworks in (a) Belgium, (b) Canada, (c) France, (d) the US and (e) Australia; whether he plans to adopt similar measures in the UK; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on patient access.

The United Kingdom’s regulatory framework supports patient access to phage therapy and is in line with many other national regulatory authorities. We continue to keep the regulatory framework for phage therapies under review, aligning where necessary with regulatory frameworks internationally, in order to support continued patient access via phage sharing between countries.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is planning to publish draft guidance on phage product licensing, developed with researchers and industry, to clarify regulatory and manufacturing requirements.

Whether he plans to make an assessment of the (a) adequacy of the requirement for UK-produced phages to be manufactured under good manufacturing practice and (b) potential impact of this requirement on patient access to treatment.

In the March 2024 response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on bacteriophages, the Government acknowledged the challenges of requiring United Kingdom-produced phages to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, which is essential for clinical use.To address this, the Government committed to exploring the case for a dedicated GMP facility to support phage innovators, working with key stakeholders, including funders and research organisations, to strengthen the UK’s phage manufacturing capabilities and thereby improve patient access to these therapies.

Whether his Department is taking steps to simplify the process for clinicians seeking approval to use phage therapy.

In March 2024, the Government’s response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on bacteriophages highlighted the potential role of phage therapy as one of a range of tools to tackle antimicrobial resistance.To support clinical use, the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency plans to publish non-mandatory guidance on the quality, safety, and efficacy data required to license phage products for both proactive and reactive National Health Service use to treat common infections, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will assess new phage-based treatments alongside other medicines.

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to provide funding to develop small-batch GMP phage manufacturing in the UK.

The Government supports the vibrant life sciences sector, which contributes £108 billion to the economy and 300,000 jobs nationwide. A new Life Sciences Sector Plan, part of the upcoming Industrial Strategy, is due to be published in late Spring. This will set out a comprehensive plan of how the Government intends to drive growth in the sector. Domestic manufacturing is of critical importance and to support this part of the sector, the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund will allocate up to £520 million to deliver economic growth and build health resilience. Funding is available UK-wide, with GMP batch phage manufacturing projects being eligible.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a phage impact bond that is similar to previous social impact bonds.

Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) are a mechanism to raise investment for a service provider. SIBs are commissioned on a payment-by-results basis, with the payment being proportional to the delivery of a positive social outcome.As detailed in the Government’s response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on bacteriophages, published 1 March 2024, the Government is focusing on projects that aim to be most beneficial to supporting phage development in the United Kingdom, based on an assessment of context and barriers.This includes exploring the case for a dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice facility to support phage innovators, working with key stakeholders, including funders and research organisations, to strengthen the UK’s phage manufacturing capabilities and thereby improve patient access to these therapies.Currently, SIBs have not been identified as a mechanism that would progress development beyond the impact of current projects, but will be considered alongside other options.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to support the development of phage therapy solutions for low-to-middle-income countries.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not directly supporting the development of phage therapy solutions currently. The FCDO is monitoring research developments, which may prove phage therapy solutions useful for tackling antimicrobial resistance, other anti-infective uses, vaccines and cancer therapies, however this work is at an early stage.The Prime Minister has set out a clear path to spending 2.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product on defence spending. Doing so demands the difficult but necessary decision to reduce our Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending from 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income by 2027. Decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review and resource allocation processes. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the level of imports of phage products on national security; and whether he is taking steps to help develop UK-based manufacturing capabilities.

In the March 2024 response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on bacteriophages, the government acknowledged the challenges in developing phage therapy in the United Kingdom, including the requirement to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. GMP is the minimum standard that a medicines manufacturer must meet in their production processes. To meet GMP, products must:- be of consistent high quality;- be appropriate to their intended use; and- meet the requirements of the marketing authorisation or product specification.In the response, the Government committed to considering the case for a UK-based GMP facility to support phage innovators and reduce reliance on imports. The UK Health Security Agency is also exploring phage production options in accordance with GMP, working with partners nationally and internationally.The new Life Sciences Sector Plan, part of the upcoming Industrial Strategy, to be published in late spring 2025, will outline the Government’s growth strategy for the sector. Within this, domestic manufacturing, including for bacteriophage production, is a priority and projects can be supported via applications to the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund.In parallel, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will be publishing draft guidance on phage product licensing, developed with researchers and industry, to clarify regulatory and manufacturing requirements.