Written questions by Paul.

How many biologically male prisoners are held at HMP Downview.

As of 1 May 2025, there were 7 transgender women held on E Wing. Other than on E Wing, there were no transgender women held in HMP Downview. The figures are compiled from local operational data and are therefore not directly comparable with official statistics on transgender prisoners covering the whole estate.This Government inherited the policy regarding allocation of transgender prisoners from the previous Government and has not moved any transgender women into the women’s estate since taking office.We are reviewing transgender prisoner policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling and will be able to say more about this in due course.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the system for legally purchasing firearms; and whether her Department plans to improve the (a) licensing, (b) monitoring and (c) enforcement processes.

We keep firearms licensing controls under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms. We will shortly be refreshing the Statutory Guidance to tighten the criteria applied by police forces when considering if someone is suitable to have a firearms certificate, including handling of domestic abuse allegations, treatment of violent offences, the impact of dishonesty, and the role and arrangements for referees supporting an application.Firearms licensing fees were increased to enable full cost recovery 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. Later this year we will also be publishing a new consultation on greater alignment of shotgun and firearms controls and other proposals for making changes to firearms legislation.

How many trained personnel is the Royal Navy short of in its full establishment.

As of 1 January 2025, the total Full-Time Trained Strength of the Royal Navy was 28,080. These figures are published on a quarterly basis and can be found at the following website - Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 2025 - GOV.UK. The Ministry of Defence cannot provide detail on headcount targets for security reasons.

What plans his Department has help increase the speed of the delivery of Challenger 3 main battle tanks, in the context of the supply chain.

We are engaged with the supply chain and additional resources have been directed towards ensuring the materials required for Challenger 3 main battle tanks are available to meet the delivery timescales.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of trends in levels of recruitment and retention in the armed forces on operational capacity.

The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration, and we are committed to addressing this through a range of targets, initiatives and measures. The Ministry of Defence continually monitors the recruitment and retention trends across the Armed Forces and makes assessments of the impact these trends may have on a particular capability as well as our overall operational capabilities. I hope that the hon. Member will understand that details on operational capacity are not made public to preserve the operational security of HM Armed Forces, but improving both recruitment and retention are priority areas for Armed Forces.

For what reason Hatchlands Primary School in Redhill has withdrawn from the breakfast club trial.

Schools were able to apply to join the breakfast clubs early adopter scheme in November and December last year. The department published an updated list of successful schools on 22 April.The department has been working closely with schools on the scheme to ensure their plans are deliverable to have breakfast clubs up and running from the first day of summer term. The department will not be discussing the circumstances and decisions of any individual school.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to provide additional funding to offset the closure of the Community Ownership Fund.

This Government remains committed to the communities’ sector and to community empowerment.  The Devolution White Paper, which was published on 16 December 2024, set out plans which demonstrate our commitment. As part of the English Devolution Bill, we will legislate to introduce a strong new ‘right to buy’ for valued community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces. This will empower local people to bring community spaces back into community ownership and end the blight of empty premises on our high streets. Community Right to Buy will help local people acquire valued community spaces if they come up for sale, keeping these assets in the hands of the community.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to replace the Community Ownership Fund.

This Government remains committed to the communities’ sector and to community empowerment.  The Devolution White Paper, which was published on 16 December 2024, set out plans which demonstrate our commitment. As part of the English Devolution Bill, we will legislate to introduce a strong new ‘right to buy’ for valued community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces. This will empower local people to bring community spaces back into community ownership and end the blight of empty premises on our high streets. Community Right to Buy will help local people acquire valued community spaces if they come up for sale, keeping these assets in the hands of the community.

What steps he is taking to help improve the capacity of sexual health (a) drop in clinics and (b) services in Reigate constituency.

Local authorities in England, including East Sussex County Council which covers Reigate, are funded through a ring-fenced Public Health Grant to commission comprehensive, open access sexual health services. Therefore, it is the responsibility of local authorities to decide on spending priorities, such as drop-in clinics and general services, based on the blend of services that best suits the needs of their population.For 2025/26, we are increasing funding through the grant to £3.858 billion. This is a cash increase of £198 million compared to 2024/25, providing local authorities with an average 5.4% cash increase and 3.0% real terms increase. This represents a significant turning point for local public health services, marking the biggest real-terms increase after a period of reduced spending between 2016 and 2024.

What steps he is taking to help support GP practices to acquire larger premises.

General practice (GP) contractors are responsible for securing the premises from which to deliver their contracted services. Should practice premises be deemed too small, GPs may make an application to integrated care boards for capital funding grants for repurposing existing underutilised space, or expansion of the existing site, or seek agreement for the GP practice to relocate to a different building.One of the core objectives of the 10-Year Health Plan is enabling people to access care closer to home and in the community. In autumn 2024, we announced £102 million of additional capital funding for GP estates upgrades in 2025/26. This will support improved use of existing buildings and space, boosting productivity and enabling practices to deliver more patient appointments.There may be revenue solutions to premises needs, dependent on the budgetary capacity of the local commissioner. Commissioners can work closely with local authorities, other system providers, and the One Public Estate Programme to identify existing premises for the potential delivery of healthcare services.

What steps she is taking to ensure that (a) Kingswood and (b) other villages benefit from a local bus service.

The Government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them, including in Kingswood and villages right across England. In addition, the Government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Surrey County Council has been allocated over £12 million of this funding. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

What recent discussions she has had with National Highways on its programme of (a) turning off and (b) removing lights on motorways.

The Department meets monthly with National Highways to discuss its performance and delivery. This includes discussions on the company’s actions to meet its Key Performance Indicator targets, one of which is Corporate Carbon reduction. Electricity used to light the strategic road network is by far the biggest contributor to National Highways’ overall carbon emissions. To meet the reduction target, National Highways has been trialling turning off some sections of lighting, where it has been assessed safe to do so, alongside its LED replacement programme.The Office of Rail and Road, as the independent highways monitor, also meets the Department monthly to provide advice on National Highways’ plans and ongoing performance, also covering the Company’s actions to reduce its carbon emissions.

What discussions she has had with (a) Network Rail and (b) other stakeholders on creating a 12 car turn-back facility at Reigate train station since July 2024.

The Reigate 12 car scheme was closed by the previous Government following Spending Review 2021. No development work has taken place on the project since this point.Officials in my Department are in regular discussions with Network Rail on opportunities to improve services across the Brighton Main Line, including the Reigate area. In preparing for Spending Review 2025 we are assessing potential transport investments, ensuring every penny spent supports our missions and the plan for growth.

When she expects contactless ticketing to be rolled out to Reigate train station.

The Department announced last year that Reigate would be included in the next tranche of pay-as-you-go stations during contactless expansion. Further details on timing are not available at this stage, but Reigate Station will get contactless ticketing before the end of 2025.

What assessment she has made of the cost to the public purse of providing hotel accommodation to migrants in Reigate constituency over the last (a) five years, (b) 18 months and (c) nine months.

Quarterly data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release. The data can also be broken down by local authority. Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab).The Home Office publishes information on asylum expenditure in the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts at Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab).

Whether she plans to improve accessibility at Earlswood train station.

This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. We are carefully considering the best approach to the Access for All programme and will announce the next steps after completion of the Spending Review.

When she expects National Highways to decide on whether the lights along the M25 between Junctions 8 and 9 will be switched back on at night.

National Highways expects to be in a position to make a decision on the lighting in this location once the current evaluation is finished and the appraisal is completed, which is expected to be in January 2026.

How many immigrants are housed in asylum hotels in Reigate constituency.

Quarterly data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release. The data can also be broken down by local authority. Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab).The Home Office publishes information on asylum expenditure in the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts at Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab).

Following the the 18 month assessment period for light switch off between junctions 8 and 9 of the M25, when she expects the TA 501 road lighting appraisal to be available.

National Highways expect the appraisal to be completed in January 2026 and the TA501 assessment will be made available from National Highways, upon request, after a decision has been made on the future of the lighting in this location.

What discussions she has had with (a) Network Rail and (b) other stakeholders on transport improvements in Reigate constituency.

Officials in my Department are in regular discussions with Network Rail on opportunities to improve services across the Brighton Main Line, including in the Reigate area. As part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan, £900 million is being invested in renewing the railway across the route between 2024 and 2029. In preparing for Spending Review 2025 we are assessing potential transport investments, ensuring every penny spent supports our missions and the plan for growth.