Written questions by Wilson.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of PEGI’s self-regulatory framework in enforcing age ratings for video games containing loot boxes.

The government engages with the Games Rating Authority (GRA), who are designated to ensure all games are appropriately rated using the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) age ratings. These ratings provide clear and detailed information on the content that can be found in a game such as violence, bad language, or the presence of paid random items (i.e. loot boxes). In partnership with the GRA and other European regulators, PEGI has recently reviewed how their age ratings can better protect young players. As a result, four new risk categories have been developed, one of which directly addresses loot boxes, setting a minimum age rating of 16 for games which contain them. The government supports the GRA’s strict enforcement of these new PEGI ratings, which come into force in June 2026. We will closely follow the implementation and expect that the new ratings will provide players, parents and video game developers with clear information on how loot boxes can be used in an age-appropriate way.

What steps his Department is taking with Cabinet colleagues to facilitate knowledge transfer from Ukraine’s battlefield innovation experience to UK-based defence SMEs.

Since 2024 the MOD has run seven defence trade missions to Ukraine in conjunction with the Trade Association ADS. These have facilitated engagement for UK business of all sizes, but with a particular focus on SMEs, with Ukrainian industry and government. We will continue our support for business and create an enduring presence for UK industry in Kyiv through the establishment of a UK Business Centre, while working to develop capabilities alongside the Ukrainian defence ecosystem.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on the the level of economic growth.

The government recognises the role that refineries play in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. The Government published a call for evidence (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector-call-for-evidence) on the future of the fuel sector on 23rd February 2026 in order to help understand the current state of the refining sector. Following a strategic and technical assessment by HMG, it has been decided not to expand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to refined oil products in January 2028. We are continuing to work with the sector to assess the options and case for expanding CBAM to refined oil products at a later date.

Whether the Government plans to integrate lessons from operational innovation in Ukraine into UK defence procurement and research strategy.

One of the key lessons for the Ministry of Defence from the war in Ukraine is the importance of pace and technical innovation in procurement if our Armed Forces are to retain an edge over, and therefore deter, our adversaries. Ongoing reforms across the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group are putting these lessons into practice. For example, the new segmented approach to procurement tailors acquisition processes according to the type of capability, supplier and risk involved, speeding delivery. Similarly, the Accelerating Commercial Pathways and Commercial X programmes are reducing the time taken to complete commercial processes and get procurements on contract. With the creation of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) we have put innovation at the centre of defence procurement. With a ring-fenced budget, UKDI will ensure we are able to quickly acquire the cutting-edge capabilities our Armed Forces need to keep pace with the evolving nature of warfare.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of not including refined products within the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from January 2028.

The government recognises the role that refineries play in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. The Government published a call for evidence (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector-call-for-evidence) on the future of the fuel sector on 23rd February 2026 in order to help understand the current state of the refining sector. Following a strategic and technical assessment by HMG, it has been decided not to expand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to refined oil products in January 2028. We are continuing to work with the sector to assess the options and case for expanding CBAM to refined oil products at a later date.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has identified any peatland site which has been demonstrated to be wildfire resilient because of rewetting alone.

There are a number of examples of peatland sites which have increased their wildfire resilience due to restoration across the country, including at The Roaches and Dove Stone in the Peak District. Rewetting peat takes time, and reducing burning is essential to allow sites the opportunity to recover. Peatland management varies across landscapes, but rewetting can significantly improve a site's resilience to wildfire. This resilience does not mean a site becomes fireproof; rather, rewetted peat is better able to resist ignition, limit the spread of fire, act as a fire break, and recover more quickly than dry or degraded peatlands.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Malaysian counterpart on the protection and support of Rohingya refugees.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the response provided on 10 February to Question 110802.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Pakistani counterpart on the denial of bail to Nadeem Masih; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help tackle the impact of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws on freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 3 October to question 75585.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the building of the third runway at Heathrow on flights from non-London airports.

We are currently reviewing the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and plan to consult on a revised ANPS in July 2026. The Department also plans to publish updated aviation passenger forecasts alongside the consultation. These forecasts will take account of the potential impact of the building of a third runway at Heathrow on flights from non-London airports. As part of the review of the ANPS, the Department is also considering domestic connectivity from Heathrow.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to phase out of the use of animals in science.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25th November 2025 to Question UIN 91769

What plans she has to review the adequacy of her Department's enforcement of section 2A of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The Home Office maintains a rigorous approach to enforcing Section 2A of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which embeds the statutory principles of replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3Rs). All applications proposing the use of animals undergo a robust assessment to ensure that non-animal alternatives have been fully explored, that any animals use is fully justified and that potential harms are minimised. Compliance with the 3Rs is actively monitored through a programme of audit and follow-up enforcement activity.Animal Welfare and Ethical Review bodies (AWERBs) have an essential and statutory responsibility under ASPA in challenging the need for animal use and advising on the application of the 3Rs within establishments. The Home Office has commissioned the Animals in Science Committee for advice on enhancing the effectiveness and consistency of AWERBs across the system.In November 2025, the Government published “Replacing animals in science: a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods”. This strategy commits to delivery of recommendations published in the ‘Rawle Report’, which involve strengthening Home Office processes for assuring full implementation of the 3Rs. The report is available here: The role of review and regulatory approvals processes for animal research in supporting implementation of the 3Rs

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 February to Question 110802 on Malaysia: Rohingya, whether (a) enforcement mechanisms, (b) monitoring arrangements and (c) safeguards have been established following her representations to the Government of Malaysia.

The UK is a strong supporter of international efforts to assist Rohingya refugees and to work towards a safe, sustainable and dignified solution to their displacement.The UK regularly raises the Myanmar crisis and the need to assist Rohingya and other refugees with Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. Malaysia is not a party to the UN Refugee Convention but runs its asylum and refugee process in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.In January 2026, the Malaysian government introduced a centralised biometric registration system for refugees and asylum seekers. The UK is working with international partners to encourage Malaysia to build appropriate safeguards into its registration system and broader asylum and refugee process.

Communities and Local Government, whether the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme contributed to the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy.

My department has worked closely with Northern Ireland partners to ensure the funds address the needs and opportunities of Northern Ireland’s people, businesses, and communities, contributing towards the delivery of the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy.In Northern Ireland, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund invested £150 million into over 60 projects 2022-23 to 2025-26, helping people move towards work, support local businesses to start, thrive and grow, and invest in communities across Northern Ireland.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of carbon price linkage within the EU on the oil refining sector in the UK.

The UK’s refining capacity is very important to our energy security and resilience, and is an industrial base which contributes to the continued growth of our regions. This government recognises the wider challenges facing the sector and know that tackling these with industry is vitally important. Under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, free allocations are provided to the refining sector to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and reduce exposure to the carbon price. Linking the UK ETS and EU ETS is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the UK, including a cheaper path towards decarbonisation by providing businesses with access to a larger, more stable carbon market and creating the conditions for mutual CBAM exemptions, removing a major barrier to trade and lowering costs for UK firms.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of carbon pricing on the refinery sector.

The UK ETS Authority provides free allocations to sectors at risk of carbon leakage, such as the refining sector, to reduce exposure to the carbon price. The Authority recently concluded a review into free allocation policy which confirmed refining is at risk of carbon leakage and will continue to be eligible to receive support through free allocation, measured against an efficiency standard. The review also determined that the efficiency standard used to set free allocations would be maintained in 2027, providing operators in the sector with the necessary certainty to plan for the forthcoming allocation period. This will provide continuity and additional time for industrial sectors to plan for future benchmark updates, which are expected in 2028. Ahead of this, the UK ETS Authority will perform an assessment of impacts on businesses, including those in the Refining sector.

Whether she plans to include refineries in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from January 2028.

As announced at Budget 2025, the government is considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in future. The government recognises the role that refineries play in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. The Government published a call for evidence (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector-call-for-evidence) on the future of the fuel sector on 23rd February 2026 in order to help understand the current state of the refining sector.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of whether the proposed funding allocations of the Local Growth Fund align with the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy.

The Local Growth Fund will drive economic growth and improve living standards by supporting infrastructure, innovation, business support and skills. MHCLG and the Northern Ireland Office are working with the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the funding in Northern Ireland, ensuring that investment aligns with Northern Ireland’s priorities and delivers meaningful impact for local people.

Communities and Local Government, whether there will be an open call for the new Local Growth Fund.

My Department are working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the new Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland. More detailed information on delivery of the funding will follow.

Communities and Local Government, how much under-spending was identified in the first two years of the Shared Prosperity Fund and was any of this under-spending used to support funding in the third year.

In the first two years of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), covering the financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24, the total core UKSPF allocation was £762,669,654. Of this total allocation, £174,447,409 remained unspent at the end of 2023-24 and this amount was carried forward to support UKSPF delivery in 2024-25.

Communities and Local Government, what are the outcomes of the UK shared Prosperity Fund programme in Northern Ireland including (a) the total number of participants engaged across the region; (b) the number and percentage of participants who achieved sustainable employment and the methodology used to measure this; (c) the number of percentage of participants who entered further or higher education; (d) he number of participants who entered volunteering roles; and (e) how many women achieved each of the above outcomes.

Up to September 2025, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in Northern Ireland has supported around 36,000 people. Of these, 12% have sustained work for at least six months, 27% undertook education activity and 7% participated in volunteering opportunities. Definitions for these indicators are published here: UKSPF_Indicators_25-26_.xlsx. For those declaring gender, 52% were female. The UKSPF allocated funding for economic inactivity projects by competition. Provision was available in all parts of Northern Ireland. Where any area was under-served, we have encouraged deliverers to broaden their geographic reach. My Department are working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the new Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland, with more information to follow.