Written questions by Wilson.

Communities and Local Government, whether (a) the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme was representative geographically and based on evidenced need across Northern Ireland; (b) any gaps were identified in the UK Prosperity Fund Programme; and (c) how does the Department propose to ensure that any previously identified gaps in provision will be addressed in the new programme.

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.

Whether his Department has contingency plans for alternate support measures to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for refineries.

The Government recognises that the sector is facing challenges and continues to engage with the fuel industry to explore what steps can be taken to support the sector. The Government continues to work at pace to consider the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The Government is also supporting the refining sector transition to net zero by driving forward with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. In addition, the Government continues to provide financial support for decarbonisation projects, including for the deployment of CCUS and competition funding for hydrogen and low carbon fuels production. On 23 February 2026, the Government launched a call for evidence that will shape the UK’s long-term strategy for the downstream oil sector. This will gather industry views on the opportunities and barriers to transition, issues and risks to energy security and what Government support may be needed to promote a managed transition.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the refining sector not being included in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism or a similar support measure on trends in the level of growth of that sector.

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. 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.

Food and Rural Affairs, which body is responsible for monitoring the outcomes of environmental regulation; and what corrective mechanisms are in place when environmental targets are not met.

The outcomes of environmental regulation are monitored by independent scrutiny bodies, including the Office for Environmental Protection and the National Audit Office. Defra and its regulators review the effectiveness of their regulatory activity, supported by periodic external reviews and monitoring of key plans and targets, including the Environmental Improvement Plan and Environment Act targets. We are committed to meeting our environmental targets and will refine our delivery plans where needed, in response to emerging evidence, policy evaluation and stakeholder feedback.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of levels of environmental regulation since 2010 on trends in environmental outcomes, including the condition of protected sites, species recovery and wildfire incidence.

The England and UK Biodiversity Indicators are published annually and the latest annual update (England) was published on 2 December 2025. Figures on the condition and extent of protected areas and trends since 2016 can be found here while those those for species can be found here. On 22 January 2026 Defra published its 2019-24 Habitat Regulations implementation report for England. It evaluates how conservation measures have supported the protection and restoration of biodiversity. It succeeds the reporting obligation previously required under the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives respectively. Defra does not hold details on wildfire incidence. MHCLG is responsible for fire policy and operations.

What analysis her Department has undertaken on the potential impact of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme expansion to maritime on the competitiveness of Northern Irish ports in attracting cruise business.

The domestic expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will only include emissions from international journeys, including cruises, produced while at berth in UK ports. This means, as outlined in the UK ETS expansion to domestic maritime Impact Assessment, that there is not expected to be any net loss of competitiveness for international cruise visits to UK ports relative to ports in the European Economic Area, where these emissions are already in scope of the EU ETS. As such, the impact is expected to be minimal.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that the proposed expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to international maritime voyages is not in addition to the International Maritime Organisation’s expected rules.

Addressing international emissions from shipping is critical and it is important action is taken globally through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Government firmly supported adoption of a global market-based measure, the IMO Net-Zero Framework, last autumn and is disappointed the decision has been postponed. We continue to work with other IMO Member States to secure adoption. The Government also wants to ensure decarbonisation continues here in the UK and has proposed to expand the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to emissions from international voyages from 2028. If the IMO Net-Zero Framework is adopted, the Government will review the scope of the UK ETS to assess the effectiveness and fairness of the system for operators as set out in the consultation on the proposed expansion of UK ETS to emissions from international voyages from 2028 published in November 2025.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues and the Northern Irish Government on using funds raised by the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime to support maritime decarbonisation projects in Northern Ireland.

Revenue raised through the UK Emissions Trading Scheme support the Government’s wider priorities, including spending that helps deliver decarbonisation. The Government is providing funding to support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, including in Northern Ireland. For example, the first phase of funding for the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions saw £19 million provided to businesses and projects based in Northern Ireland. This includes a project to demonstrate a fully electric crew transfer vessel in Belfast Harbour and feasibility studies for a zero-emission shipping corridor between Northern Ireland and England, involving trials at Larne Harbour.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Remote Gaming Duty tax on reducing gambling related harm.

At Budget 2025, the government announced a package of changes to gambling duties which will raise over £1 billion per year to support the public finances and forms part of our ambition to create a fair, modern and sustainable tax system. Evidence shows that online slots and casino games have much higher proportions of problem gamblers. In recognition of this associated level of harm, the rate for Remote Gaming Duty will increase from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026. The objective is to reduce the incentive for gambling operators to invest in or push people towards these more harmful forms of gambling.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government response to the Improving biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development consultation will set out plans for addressing concerns regarding misapplication of the de minimis exemption.

A full consultation response and impact assessment to the Biodiversity Net Gain small, medium and brownfield development consultation will be published soon. This will set out whether any changes will be made to the de minimis exemption alongside the introduction of the new 0.2-hectare area exemption.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of misapplication of the de minimis exemption on the rollout of biodiversity net gain obligations.

A full consultation response and impact assessment to the Biodiversity Net Gain small, medium and brownfield development consultation will be published soon. This will set out whether any changes will be made to the de minimis exemption alongside the introduction of the new 0.2-hectare area exemption.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of false applications for the de minimis exemption on delays within the planning system.

A full consultation response and impact assessment to the Biodiversity Net Gain small, medium and brownfield development consultation will be published soon. This will set out whether any changes will be made to the de minimis exemption alongside the introduction of the new 0.2-hectare area exemption.

What progress she has made on considering the feasibility and impact of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

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 that refineries play a role in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. Government Ministers are holding a roundtable with the refining sector this month and will also publish a call for evidence on the fuel sector shortly.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the European Commission’s proposals for the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on the competitiveness and decarbonisation of the UK oil refining sector.

At present, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism does not include refined oil products . In December 2025 the European Commission published further detail on their future plans for the CBAM, including the possibility of including refined products in scope at a future date. The UK Government committed in November 2025 to considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the UK CBAM in future. We continue to monitor the progress of the EU CBAM closely and encourage the EU to continue to engage with affected businesses to minimise the impact on trade, and to recognise and support industries working hard to decarbonise.

Whether her Department plans to include the UK oil refining sector in the scope of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

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 that refineries play a role in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. Government Ministers are holding a roundtable with the refining sector this month and will also publish a call for evidence on the fuel sector shortly.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations they have made to the government of Algeria regarding restrictions on the freedom of worship of the Ahmadiyya Muslims.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 29 October 2025 in response to Question 83261.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support international monitoring and accountability mechanisms on freedom of religion or belief in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is a focus country in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's approach to freedom of religion or belief, announced on 8 July 2025, and officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans. We work with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their inhuman restrictions, including on freedom of religion or belief. We continue to support the UN Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Upholding human rights and basic freedoms are not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans. Without inclusive governance that reflects Afghanistan's religious, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity, we will never see an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of unmanaged vegetation fuel loads on upland peatland and the severity of wildfires.

Healthy peatlands do not require active vegetation management such as burning or cutting. There is clear scientific evidence that burning is particularly damaging, as it degrades peatland conditions, undermines restoration and increases long-term vulnerability to wildfires. In response, the Government amended the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 in September last year to extend protections to more peatlands. Alongside these changes the Heather and Grass Management Code 2025 was published to support land managers selecting appropriate management approaches that reduce peatland damage, support restoration and enhance natural resilience to hazards such as wildfire. In addition, a two-year research project, Wildfire and Peatland: Studies to Support Delivery of the Third National Adaptation Programme, has been commissioned. This work will inform delivery of the Government’s risk‑reduction objectives by identifying effective approaches for maintaining healthy, functioning peatlands and improving the resilience of these important carbon stores under future climate conditions.

Food and Rural Affairs, what comparative assessment she has made of wildfire risks under (a) prescribed burning, (b) mechanical cutting and (c) no active vegetation management.

Healthy peatlands do not require active vegetation management such as burning or cutting. There is clear scientific evidence that burning is particularly damaging, as it degrades peatland conditions, undermines restoration and increases long-term vulnerability to wildfires. In response, the Government amended the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 in September last year to extend protections to more peatlands. Alongside these changes the Heather and Grass Management Code 2025 was published to support land managers selecting appropriate management approaches that reduce peatland damage, support restoration and enhance natural resilience to hazards such as wildfire. In addition, a two-year research project, Wildfire and Peatland: Studies to Support Delivery of the Third National Adaptation Programme, has been commissioned. This work will inform delivery of the Government’s risk‑reduction objectives by identifying effective approaches for maintaining healthy, functioning peatlands and improving the resilience of these important carbon stores under future climate conditions.

Media and Sport, what comparative assessment her Department has made of (a) loot boxes in video games and (b) gambling products; and what steps she is taking to mitigate potential harms associated with loot box mechanics, particularly for children and young people.

The government is committed to ensuring games are enjoyed safely and responsibly by everyone and that, where they contain loot boxes, there are appropriate protections in place. Prizes that can be won via loot boxes do not have a monetary value, cannot be cashed-out, and are of value only within the context of the game. They are therefore not legally classified as gambling. However, evidence has shown an association between loot boxes and gambling-related harm. To improve protections in games containing loot boxes, industry-led guidance was published in 2023 with a 12-month implementation period, after which DCMS commissioned independent academic research into its effectiveness. We will publish the research shortly, alongside our next steps.