Written questions by Berry.

What information his Department holds on whether any UK companies are supplying (a) equipment and (b) services to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (i) detention centres and (ii) other activities.

None.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centres.

US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities. Our Embassy in Washington works closely with US officials to understand how their policies impact British citizens and we update UK travel advice accordingly.

How many violent crimes perpetrated against sex workers were recorded by (a) police area, (b) sanction detection rate and (c) whether the crime was reported by the (i) victim and (ii) third party in the latest period for which data is available.

The Home Office collects and publishes information on the number of sexual and violence against the person offences, and their investigative outcomes, recorded by the police in England and Wales. The latest information, broken down by police force area and by out outcome type, for the year ending June 2025, can be accessed here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/police-recorded-crime-and-outcomes-open-data-tablesThe Home Office does not hold information on whether the victim of an offence has engaged in prostitution.

Whether he has held discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential impact of the continuation of the two-child benefit cap on the (a) physical and (b) mental health of children in families affected by the cap.

This Government is determined to bring down child poverty and the Child Poverty Taskforce will publish a Child Poverty Strategy in the autumn that will deliver measures to tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is a member of the Taskforce, which is co-chaired by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. To date, Taskforce Ministers and their delegates have met nine times to discuss the critical issues that drive child poverty. The Child Poverty Taskforce is hearing directly from families and children across the UK as part of its work to develop a Child Poverty Strategy, as well as front-line staff and leading campaigners, charities and organisations. The Taskforce is also working closely with local and devolved governments to hear how child poverty affects communities and what can be done to combat it.

What steps he is taking to address delays by NHS Pensions in contacting retired NHS staff with letters detailing settlements; and what new deadlines are being set for letters to be sent to each cohort.

The Department recognises the importance of giving members of the NHS Pension Scheme certainty about when they will receive their McCloud Remedy.I have commissioned the independent Chair of the NHS Pension Scheme Pension Board to lead a review of the NHS Business Services Authority’s (NHS BSA) revised plans for the delivery of the McCloud remedy for NHS Pension Scheme members. This review is well underway. It will provide an additional level of scrutiny and assurance of the NHS BSA’s delivery plan for the remaining statements.I expect to be in a position to provide the House with a fuller update on the remedy replan and the review of this in good time before Christmas recess.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of airport expansion on tourism in coastal towns.

Airports are key gateways into the UK for international tourists and airport expansion will help to facilitate their ability to visit the United Kingdom, including our coastal towns.

What steps he is taking to raise awareness and warn pensioners about scam messages on winter fuel payment eligibility.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is taking a number of steps to protect our vulnerable customers from online benefit scams. This includes raising public awareness of benefit scam messages on the Gov.uk website. Our most recent Press Release relating to Winter Fuel Payment warned our customers to be alert to text message scams in advance of next month’s payments and urging them to forward any suspicious texts to 7726. This is free of charge and helps phone providers block the numbers involved. Customers are also encouraged to forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. We are also working together with Action Fraud raising awareness on social media. This is alongside DWP’s continued work with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to ensure accurate and timely information is available. DWP has also developed a recorded message for our telephone lines to raise awareness of Winter Fuel Payment scams.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans her Department has to (a) recover and (b) salvage any consignment of radioactive material in the event of the sinking of a vessel carrying radioactive cargo.

Defra are the lead government department in England for the recovery from malicious and civil radiological and nuclear incidents. The preparations and response to these incidents is led by the Home Office and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero respectively. If a civil vessel carrying a cargo of radioactive or nuclear material sunk in waters controlled by the UK, Defra would consider recovery options. This would involve a risk-based approach using existing contingency plans to consider environmental risks and salvage practicalities. This would include the Flag State of the vessel and owner of the material, who each have legal responsibilities. If the sunken vessel was owned by the UK military or an ally, recovery and salvage operations would be led by the Ministry of Defence.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for the Government's (a) trade and (b) security cooperation with the US of the (i) deportation and (ii) detention centre activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities. Our Embassy in Washington works closely with US officials to understand how their policies impact British citizens and we update UK travel advice accordingly.

What steps her Department is taking ensure the continuity of independent medical advice to the National Police Chiefs Council's Less Lethal Weapons Working Group, following the replacement of the Science Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons with the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons Expert Committee.

The provision of a robust medical assessment of the effects of any less lethal weapon is critical to ensuring that when police use less lethal weapons, they use them safely and effectively to protect the public and prevent harm. The Scientific Advisory Council on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) has played an important role in this to date and plans are in place to ensure robust independent medical advice continues under the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons Executive Committee (MILLWEC), in line with the Code of Practice for Armed Policing and Police Use of Less Lethal Weapons.The Home Office has been working closely with the Ministry of Defence to manage the transition and ensure no disruption to the provision of independent scientific advice. MILLWEC will be established from 30 November and SACMILL will continue in their advisory function until then. A framework, which will support the independence and accountability of the new committee, has been developed and is publicly available on the gov.uk website Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons Expert Committee - GOV.UKProcesses are in place to ensure Home Office management of the committee retains their independence at every level, in line with the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils.

For what reason the Science Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons was replaced by the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons Expert Committee.

The Defence Reform programme is establishing robust and streamlined governance, clearer accountabilities, and faster decision-making processes across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister’s Productive and Agile State initiative to reduce duplication and inefficiency, including through Arm’s length Body (ALB) reform, is an integral part of Defence’s approach to reform.The closure of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) is an important step in Defence’s ALB reform journey. The MOD reviewed and recommended the abolition of the SACMILL – an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) – as the function is no longer required by MOD and the focus of advice from SACMILL in recent years has been in relation to Police equipment.The ALB review recognised an enduring requirement for expert advice on the medical implications of less-lethal weapons by the Home Office (HO). MOD has worked with HO to enable the establishment of an alternative mechanism to provide independent, evidence-based advice. SACMILL will close on 30 November 2025. The Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons Expert Committee (MILLWEC), an expert committee sponsored by the HO, will provide independent, scientific advice to the HO and other government departments. This will focus on the medical implications, including risk of injury, of less-lethal weapons (for example, TASERs™). Further details about MILLWEC can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/medical-implications-of-less-lethal-weapons-expert-committee

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on (a) the establishment of the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons Expert Committee (MILLWEC), (b) cross over between the remit of MILLWEC and the Science Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) and (c) decisions on the future of SACMILL.

The Defence Reform programme is establishing robust and streamlined governance, clearer accountabilities, and faster decision-making processes across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister’s Productive and Agile State initiative to reduce duplication and inefficiency, including through Arm’s length Body (ALB) reform, is an integral part of Defence’s approach to reform.The closure of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) is an important step in Defence’s ALB reform journey. The MOD reviewed and recommended the abolition of the SACMILL – an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) – as the function is no longer required by MOD and the focus of advice from SACMILL in recent years has been in relation to Police equipment.The ALB review recognised an enduring requirement for expert advice on the medical implications of less-lethal weapons by the Home Office (HO). MOD has worked with HO to enable the establishment of an alternative mechanism to provide independent, evidence-based advice. SACMILL will close on 30 November 2025. The Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons Expert Committee (MILLWEC), an expert committee sponsored by the HO, will provide independent, scientific advice to the HO and other government departments. This will focus on the medical implications, including risk of injury, of less-lethal weapons (for example, TASERs™). Further details about MILLWEC can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/medical-implications-of-less-lethal-weapons-expert-committee

Whether the Public Bodies Review recommended the abolition of the Science Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons.

The Defence Reform programme is establishing robust and streamlined governance, clearer accountabilities, and faster decision-making processes across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister’s Productive and Agile State initiative to reduce duplication and inefficiency, including through Arm’s length Body (ALB) reform, is an integral part of Defence’s approach to reform.The closure of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) is an important step in Defence’s ALB reform journey. The MOD reviewed and recommended the abolition of the SACMILL – an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) – as the function is no longer required by MOD and the focus of advice from SACMILL in recent years has been in relation to Police equipment.The ALB review recognised an enduring requirement for expert advice on the medical implications of less-lethal weapons by the Home Office (HO). MOD has worked with HO to enable the establishment of an alternative mechanism to provide independent, evidence-based advice. SACMILL will close on 30 November 2025. The Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons Expert Committee (MILLWEC), an expert committee sponsored by the HO, will provide independent, scientific advice to the HO and other government departments. This will focus on the medical implications, including risk of injury, of less-lethal weapons (for example, TASERs™). Further details about MILLWEC can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/medical-implications-of-less-lethal-weapons-expert-committee

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposal for mandatory digital ID on the UK’s obligations under the common travel area; and what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on this issue.

Digital ID will not be mandatory for UK citizens. The government will launch a public consultation on the design of the new digital ID which will inform ongoing policy development and assessments of impacts.We have spoken with the Government in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government and will continue to engage to ensure systems work for people on both sides of the border, respecting the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area.

With reference to her oral contribution of 13 October 2025 during the statement on Manchester Terrorism Attack, Official Report, column 27, what legislative vehicle she plans to use to amend section (a) 12 and (b) 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to allow the police to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests when considering whether to impose conditions.

The Government has tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill which will allow senior officers to take account of the cumulative impact of protest activity when considering whether to impose conditions under sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.This provision will help protect communities from repeated disruption caused by protests, while protecting the right to peaceful protest.

With reference to her statement on Manchester Terrorism Attack of 13 October 2025, Official Report, column 27, how she plans to give legislative effect to her proposal to amend sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to allow the police to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests when considering whether to impose conditions.

The Government has tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill which will allow senior officers to take account of the cumulative impact of protest activity when considering whether to impose conditions under sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.This provision will help protect communities from repeated disruption caused by protests, while protecting the right to peaceful protest.

With reference to recommendation 2 of the SACMILL statement on the medical implications of the Taser 10 conducted energy device system, published on 2 October 2025, what recent discussions she has had with the National Police Chiefs Council on implementing measures to (a) closely monitor the on-going performance of the Taser 10 and (b) react in a timely way if problems emerge.

Taser provides police officers with an important tactical option to protect the public and save lives. As with any use of force, Taser must only be used when it is reasonable, proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. The decision to approve Taser 10 has been taken on consideration of stringent testing and assessments.In common with other conducted energy devices approved for use in policing, the operational performance of Taser 10 will be closely monitored, with officers required to complete a bespoke form after each use. Data from these forms will provide insights into the safety and efficacy of the system as well as any emerging trends. The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and respective forces will be able to review these forms nationally and locally to identify any patterns and factors for review such as any emerging technical issues with the device. The Home Office has regular discussions with the NPCC and other policing stakeholders to keep this under review. to keep this under review.The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice refers to the Statement of Medical Implications for Taser 10 by the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) and learning is incorporated into CED training and guidance as well as post Taser healthcare procedures. All officers who are selected to use CEDs must have an appreciation of the physical and psychological effects of the device. This includes training officers to factor in the potential vulnerability of a person, and factors such as age and stature when assessing each situation.A Child Rights Impact Assessment was conducted to inform the decision to approve Taser 10.

With reference to the press notice entitled New Taser approved for UK police forces to protect public, published on 2 October 2025 and the SACMILL statement on the medical implications of the Taser 10 conducted energy device system, published on 2 October 2025, what discussions she has had with the College of Policing’s on the inclusion of the findings of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons on (a) discharge causing subjects to stop breathing and faint, (b) the risk of CED-induced cardiac capture, (c) flammability risk, (d) increased risk of serious injury, (e) increased risk to children and (f) the danger of increased officer errors due to the complexity of the specific Conducted Energy Device in its new guidance and training for use of Taser 10.

Taser provides police officers with an important tactical option to protect the public and save lives. As with any use of force, Taser must only be used when it is reasonable, proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. The decision to approve Taser 10 has been taken on consideration of stringent testing and assessments.In common with other conducted energy devices approved for use in policing, the operational performance of Taser 10 will be closely monitored, with officers required to complete a bespoke form after each use. Data from these forms will provide insights into the safety and efficacy of the system as well as any emerging trends. The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and respective forces will be able to review these forms nationally and locally to identify any patterns and factors for review such as any emerging technical issues with the device. The Home Office has regular discussions with the NPCC and other policing stakeholders to keep this under review. to keep this under review.The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice refers to the Statement of Medical Implications for Taser 10 by the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) and learning is incorporated into CED training and guidance as well as post Taser healthcare procedures. All officers who are selected to use CEDs must have an appreciation of the physical and psychological effects of the device. This includes training officers to factor in the potential vulnerability of a person, and factors such as age and stature when assessing each situation.A Child Rights Impact Assessment was conducted to inform the decision to approve Taser 10.

What steps she is taking to ensure that recommendation 11 of the SACMILL statement on the medical implications of the Taser 10 conducted energy device system on ensuring that the operational performance of the TASER 10 is monitored is met.

Taser provides police officers with an important tactical option to protect the public and save lives. As with any use of force, Taser must only be used when it is reasonable, proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. The decision to approve Taser 10 has been taken on consideration of stringent testing and assessments.In common with other conducted energy devices approved for use in policing, the operational performance of Taser 10 will be closely monitored, with officers required to complete a bespoke form after each use. Data from these forms will provide insights into the safety and efficacy of the system as well as any emerging trends. The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and respective forces will be able to review these forms nationally and locally to identify any patterns and factors for review such as any emerging technical issues with the device. The Home Office has regular discussions with the NPCC and other policing stakeholders to keep this under review. to keep this under review.The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice refers to the Statement of Medical Implications for Taser 10 by the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) and learning is incorporated into CED training and guidance as well as post Taser healthcare procedures. All officers who are selected to use CEDs must have an appreciation of the physical and psychological effects of the device. This includes training officers to factor in the potential vulnerability of a person, and factors such as age and stature when assessing each situation.A Child Rights Impact Assessment was conducted to inform the decision to approve Taser 10.

Whether her Department undertook a Child Rights impact assessment before its decision announced on 10 October 2025 to approve the use of the TASER 10 system by police forces.

Taser provides police officers with an important tactical option to protect the public and save lives. As with any use of force, Taser must only be used when it is reasonable, proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. The decision to approve Taser 10 has been taken on consideration of stringent testing and assessments.In common with other conducted energy devices approved for use in policing, the operational performance of Taser 10 will be closely monitored, with officers required to complete a bespoke form after each use. Data from these forms will provide insights into the safety and efficacy of the system as well as any emerging trends. The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and respective forces will be able to review these forms nationally and locally to identify any patterns and factors for review such as any emerging technical issues with the device. The Home Office has regular discussions with the NPCC and other policing stakeholders to keep this under review. to keep this under review.The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice refers to the Statement of Medical Implications for Taser 10 by the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) and learning is incorporated into CED training and guidance as well as post Taser healthcare procedures. All officers who are selected to use CEDs must have an appreciation of the physical and psychological effects of the device. This includes training officers to factor in the potential vulnerability of a person, and factors such as age and stature when assessing each situation.A Child Rights Impact Assessment was conducted to inform the decision to approve Taser 10.