Written questions by Timothy.

What guidance his Department provides to ambulance trusts to help ensure adequate (a) coverage and (b) response times.

On 30 January 2025, NHS England published the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance. This set out the actions to be taken by the National Health Service in 2025/26 to improve ambulance response times. The planning guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/2025-26-priorities-and-operational-planning-guidance/Information on further actions to support improvements in urgent and emergency care services during 2025/26 will be published at the earliest opportunity.

If he will list (a) ambulance substations and (b) the number of ambulances permanently located in the East of England in (i) January 2025 and (ii) February 2025.

The information requested is not held centrally. The location of ambulance stations is held locally by ambulance services. The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust publishes a list of ambulance stations on its website, which is available at the following link:https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team/working-for-us/EEAST-station-listThe East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust has reported that it provides services through 577 ambulances.

How many (a) British nationals, and (b) foreign nationals were given residency positions in each year since 2020.

The number of British nationals who accepted medical specialty training posts in 2024 was 8,017, and the number of non-British nationals accepting posts was 5,882. The number of applicants trained outside of the United Kingdom who were rejected at different stages of the medical specialty training recruitment processes in 2024 was 5,814. This does not include applicants who were not rejected but who chose to withdraw themselves from at least one of their applications. The number of domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 8,537. The number of non-domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 5,324.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022, and 2023 is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversityThis includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made, and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data looks at each medical speciality separately. Many applicants will apply for more than one specialty, and the published data does not show the number of unique applicants who were successful for at least one specialty or rejected for all, as presented for the 2024 round, as the Department does not hold that data.

What steps his Department is taking to help protect the security of sensitive data on multi-purpose interconnectors.

Maintaining a secure energy supply is a key priority for the UK Government. DESNZ works closely with subsea and offshore owners, operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure interconnectors are proportionately protected against a range of threats – including cyber threats. This includes working with industry on data security, which is a critical part of a comprehensive approach to security of infrastructure.

How many pages of paperwork businesses must complete on average to receive planning approval from the Office for Nuclear Regulation.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) does not undertake planning approvals. Planning approvals must be sought from the Planning Inspectorate, to whom ONR provides regulatory advice where nuclear sites are involved.

How many applicants trained abroad were accepted for residency positions with NHS providers in each year since 2020.

The number of British nationals who accepted medical specialty training posts in 2024 was 8,017, and the number of non-British nationals accepting posts was 5,882. The number of applicants trained outside of the United Kingdom who were rejected at different stages of the medical specialty training recruitment processes in 2024 was 5,814. This does not include applicants who were not rejected but who chose to withdraw themselves from at least one of their applications. The number of domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 8,537. The number of non-domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 5,324.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022, and 2023 is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversityThis includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made, and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data looks at each medical speciality separately. Many applicants will apply for more than one specialty, and the published data does not show the number of unique applicants who were successful for at least one specialty or rejected for all, as presented for the 2024 round, as the Department does not hold that data.

What the average waiting time is for businesses to receive planning approval from the Office for Nuclear Regulation by nuclear reactor types since 1997.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) does not undertake planning approvals. Planning approvals must be sought from the Planning Inspectorate, to whom ONR provides regulatory advice where nuclear sites are involved.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of regulations from the Office for Nuclear Regulation on businesses.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) does not make regulations. Assessments of impacts on businesses of regulations relating to nuclear would be found in the original economic impact assessments for those regulations and, where they have been carried out, in the post implementation review of those regulations. As the Prime Minister announced, the Nuclear Taskforce will be undertaking a review of nuclear regulation, and it would be unfair to comment further until that review has concluded.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the security of interconnector data.

The Government takes the protection of subsea infrastructure, including interconnectors, seriously and Departments work closely together to ensure infrastructure is protected against hazards and malicious threats. The Secretary of State regularly has discussions with his Cabinet colleagues relating to a range of security matters.

What assessment his Department made of the potential impact of spatial limits in the North Sea on (a) interconnectors, (b) fisheries, (c) wind farms and (d) other offshore infrastructure.

As set out in the Clean Power Action Plan, we need a long term, holistic approach to managing growing demand for use of the seabed. The Crown Estate’s Marine Delivery Routemap will provide an opportunity to positively plan for shared outcomes across different sectors with an agreed set of design parameters that incentivise best environmental practice across the project lifecycle.

How many applicants trained abroad were rejected for residency positions with NHS providers in each year since 2020.

The number of British nationals who accepted medical specialty training posts in 2024 was 8,017, and the number of non-British nationals accepting posts was 5,882. The number of applicants trained outside of the United Kingdom who were rejected at different stages of the medical specialty training recruitment processes in 2024 was 5,814. This does not include applicants who were not rejected but who chose to withdraw themselves from at least one of their applications. The number of domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 8,537. The number of non-domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 5,324.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022, and 2023 is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversityThis includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made, and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data looks at each medical speciality separately. Many applicants will apply for more than one specialty, and the published data does not show the number of unique applicants who were successful for at least one specialty or rejected for all, as presented for the 2024 round, as the Department does not hold that data.

How many domestically trained applicants were accepted for residency positions with NHS providers in each year since 2020.

The number of British nationals who accepted medical specialty training posts in 2024 was 8,017, and the number of non-British nationals accepting posts was 5,882. The number of applicants trained outside of the United Kingdom who were rejected at different stages of the medical specialty training recruitment processes in 2024 was 5,814. This does not include applicants who were not rejected but who chose to withdraw themselves from at least one of their applications. The number of domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 8,537. The number of non-domestically trained applicants accepting an offer of a place within the 2024 medical specialty recruitment process was 5,324.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022, and 2023 is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversityThis includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made, and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data looks at each medical speciality separately. Many applicants will apply for more than one specialty, and the published data does not show the number of unique applicants who were successful for at least one specialty or rejected for all, as presented for the 2024 round, as the Department does not hold that data.

If he will take steps to ensure that wind turbines manufactured in China are not vulnerable to foreign espionage.

The Government takes the security and resilience of UK energy infrastructure extremely seriously with the UK being one of the most reliable and safest energy systems, and one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. Maintaining a secure energy supply is a key priority for the UK Government. DESNZ works closely with subsea and offshore owners, operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure subsea and offshore energy infrastructure is proportionately protected against a range of threats. The Government will take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. The Government will co-operate where it can, compete where it needs to, and challenge where it must.

What steps his Department is taking to help remove barriers to the development of Small Modular Reactors.

The Government recognises that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could play an important role helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.The Department has supported development of SMRs through the Advanced Nuclear Fund and the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund. Separately, Great British Nuclear is running an SMR technology selection process and is on track to make final decisions in spring.In addition, we recently launched a regulatory taskforce to streamline regulatory processes and published the draft EN-7 National Policy Statement, setting out a refreshed planning framework for new nuclear reactors, including SMRs.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) advisors and (c) officials in his Department have had with the Office for Nuclear Regulation on Small Modular Reactors.

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of reduced energy imports from Norway on energy prices in the UK.

Great Britain has a secure and diverse energy system, which has delivered reliable energy supplies this winter and over recent years, despite challenging global conditions. This includes the UK’s homegrown energy from renewables and nuclear. The UK imports gas through pipelines with Norway and mainland Europe and from the global market via Liquefied Natural Gas ports, and have ten operational electricity interconnectors with Europe. Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower provide energy security in the long term and help protect billpayers from global markets.

With reference to the Written Statement of 10 February 2025 HCWS424, whether generation dispatched by the National Energy System Operator from Drax power station will count towards the maximum load factor to receive subsidies.

Yes. Under the low carbon dispatchable CfD, there will be a cap on the volume of electricity generation subsidised across the year. The cap is set with reference to maximum seasonal load factors (with Winter higher than Summer, to reflect system requirements). All generation by Drax Power Station will count towards the cap on subsidised generation. This includes generation that results from actions taken by NESO to balance the electricity system, such as through the Balancing Mechanism and balancing services markets.

Whether NHS providers are obligated to (a) advertise residency positions for British nationals before foreign nationals and (b) hire British residents before overseas residents.

The decision to remove the Resident Labour Market Test for doctors in 2020 has meant that more international medical graduates have also been able to apply for speciality training places, increasing the number of candidates for roles.Residencies, or speciality training positions, are advertised nationally, and the process is administered by a lead deanery on behalf of the four nations of the United Kingdom. There is no obligation on National Health Service providers to advertise residency positions for British nationals before foreign nationals, or to hire British residents before overseas residents. The rules and criteria for recruitment into higher specialty training are agreed by the Medical and Dental Recruitment and Selection committees on behalf of the four statutory education bodies of the UK and must meet standards required by the General Medical Council. Working with NHS England, we continue to keep the selection process for all applicants to medical speciality training under review.Data provided by NHS England shows that in 2024, 14,620 graduates from UK medical schools applied for medical specialty training posts. Of these 1,299 were unsuccessful or unappointable in any of their applications as individuals can make multiple applications. A further 1,476 UK graduates were deemed appointable at interview but did not receive any offers due to post availability.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022 and 2023 is published by NHS England. This includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data does not present this information across all specialties together as presented for the 2024 round. The information is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversity

How many domestically trained applicants were rejected for residency positions with NHS providers in each year since 2020.

The decision to remove the Resident Labour Market Test for doctors in 2020 has meant that more international medical graduates have also been able to apply for speciality training places, increasing the number of candidates for roles.Residencies, or speciality training positions, are advertised nationally, and the process is administered by a lead deanery on behalf of the four nations of the United Kingdom. There is no obligation on National Health Service providers to advertise residency positions for British nationals before foreign nationals, or to hire British residents before overseas residents. The rules and criteria for recruitment into higher specialty training are agreed by the Medical and Dental Recruitment and Selection committees on behalf of the four statutory education bodies of the UK and must meet standards required by the General Medical Council. Working with NHS England, we continue to keep the selection process for all applicants to medical speciality training under review.Data provided by NHS England shows that in 2024, 14,620 graduates from UK medical schools applied for medical specialty training posts. Of these 1,299 were unsuccessful or unappointable in any of their applications as individuals can make multiple applications. A further 1,476 UK graduates were deemed appointable at interview but did not receive any offers due to post availability.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022 and 2023 is published by NHS England. This includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data does not present this information across all specialties together as presented for the 2024 round. The information is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversity

How the career experience of British nationals and foreign nationals are compared when NHS providers are considering residency applications.

The decision to remove the Resident Labour Market Test for doctors in 2020 has meant that more international medical graduates have also been able to apply for speciality training places, increasing the number of candidates for roles.Residencies, or speciality training positions, are advertised nationally, and the process is administered by a lead deanery on behalf of the four nations of the United Kingdom. There is no obligation on National Health Service providers to advertise residency positions for British nationals before foreign nationals, or to hire British residents before overseas residents. The rules and criteria for recruitment into higher specialty training are agreed by the Medical and Dental Recruitment and Selection committees on behalf of the four statutory education bodies of the UK and must meet standards required by the General Medical Council. Working with NHS England, we continue to keep the selection process for all applicants to medical speciality training under review.Data provided by NHS England shows that in 2024, 14,620 graduates from UK medical schools applied for medical specialty training posts. Of these 1,299 were unsuccessful or unappointable in any of their applications as individuals can make multiple applications. A further 1,476 UK graduates were deemed appointable at interview but did not receive any offers due to post availability.Information on medical specialty recruitment in 2021, 2022 and 2023 is published by NHS England. This includes information for each individual medical specialty programme on the number of applications made, the number of appointable applicants, the number of offers made and the number of accepted roles. The information is available by nationality group and country of qualification. The published data does not present this information across all specialties together as presented for the 2024 round. The information is available at the following link:https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/equality-and-diversity