Written questions by Berry.

What the (a) start and (b) finish date was of each overseas trips taken by Prince Andrew in his role as a trade envoy.

I understand that the Duke of York visited multiple overseas states in his role as a Special Representative. To note the Duke of York was the Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment and not a Trade Envoy. 2002 - 20044-9 Feb 0218-21 Mar 022-10 May 0225-26 Jun 0229-30 Jan 0312-13 Feb 039-13 Sept 0323-27 Sept 0319-26 Oct 0327 Nov-8 Dec 0309-Jan-0408-Mar-042004/0526 Mar-4 Apr 0419-25 Apr 0424-26 May 0407-Sep-0425-27 Oct 043-9 Oct 0424 Nov-5 Dec 0422-23 Nov 0412-27 Feb 052005/064-5 Apr 0518-25 Apr 0517-18 May 0511-14 Oct 0528-30 Nov 0513-17 Nov 0503-Mar-0514-Mar-0530-Mar-0521-25 Jan 0614-Feb-062006/0725 Mar-2 Apr 063-7 Jun 063-7 Jul 0625-30 Sept 0629 Oct-4 Nov 0623-24 Nov 0611-Oct-0624-May-0615-May-0607-Nov-0608-Nov-0625-27 Jan 0705-Feb-0712-13 Feb 0726-27 Feb 0728 Feb-13 Mar 072007/0811-18 Apr 0728 May-1 Jun 0707-Jun-0727-29 Aug 0703-Sep-071-4 Oct 0723-26 Oct 071-10 Nov 0724-Apr-0714-May-0725-Jun-0715-Oct-0722-Oct-0713-15 Jan 0820-22 Jan 0823-25 Jan 085-16 Feb 082-7 Mar 089-15 Mar 082008/0930 Mar-3 Apr 0813-May-0818-20 May 0803-Jun-0830 Jun-1 Jul 0816-Jul-085-12 Sept 0828 Sept-3 Oct 0829 Oct-7 Nov 0810-Dec-0828-30 Jan 0902-Feb-0917-18 Feb 0913-Mar-0914-20 Mar 092009/1018-21 May 091-4 Jun 0922-24 Jun 0922-24 Sept 0929 Sept-8 Oct 0919-Oct-0924 Oct-4 Nov 0914-16 Dec 0927-29 Jan 107-12 Feb 108-13 Mar 1023-26 Mar 1026-28 Mar 102010/1113-14 April 1016-22 April 103-11 May 1016-20 May 1018-May-108-10 June 1007-Jul-106-11 Sept 108-20 Oct 1012-16 Jan 1126-28 Jan 116-16 Feb 112011/124-8 Apr 1116-19 May 1114-Sep-1118-23 Sept 1126 Sept-2 Oct 1106-Oct-1123-28 Oct 1130 Oct-1 Nov 1120-23 Nov 1126-28 Jan 1227 Feb-3 Mar 12

What assessment she has made of the implications for her Department's policies of the report entitled Social insecurity: the devastating human rights impact of social security system failures in the UK by Amnesty International, published on 25 April 2025.

The UK Government takes its international obligations seriously and values the insights provided by Amnesty International and notes their recommendations. The UK Government is committed to tackling poverty across the UK. Good work can significantly reduce the chances of people falling into poverty so this will be the foundation of our approach. The proposals in our plan for Making Work Pay and our Get Britain Working White Paper and our urgent work to bring forward our Child Poverty Strategy reflect our commitment to delivering lasting change. Alongside this as announced in our Pathways to Work Green Paper we will establish a new guarantee of support for all disabled people and people with health conditions claiming out of work benefits who want help to get into or return to work.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to Building Regulation Approved Document T: Toilet Accommodation, last updated on 1 October 2024, if she will take legislative steps to (a) ensure that new buildings include the provision of universal toilets and (b) permit universal toilets in addition to or in place of single-sex provision.

Requirement T1 of the Building Regulations calls for universal toilets to be provided where space allows and is also clear that universal toilets may be provided in addition to single-sex toilets. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) have a duty under the Building Safety Act 2022 to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review. The BSR continually reviews the suite of Approved Documents to ensure the statutory guidance remains relevant, as well as advising government on the safety and standards of all buildings. This Government is always keen to receive feedback on the real-world application of the Building Regulations and will consider comments received, monitor stakeholder experience, and keep the new Approved Document T under review.

How much was spent on (a) transport, (b) hotels, (c) official gifts and (d) other costs for overseas trips taken by Prince Andrew in his role as a trade envoy.

The Duke of York was the Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment and not a Trade Envoy.The Department for Business and Trade does not hold details of the specific costs for the Duke of York’s (a) transport, (b) hotels, (c) official gifts and (d) other costs for overseas trips taken in his capacity as a Trade Representative.

With reference to paragraph 21 of her Department's publication entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, published on 18 March 2025, whether her Department conducted an internal audit of Personal Independence Payment decisions during the development of the proposal to require four points to be scored in at least one daily living activity.

PIP provides a contribution to extra costs, but, over recent years, claims have increased significantly, outstripping the growth in disability prevalence. Changes are needed to put benefit spending on a sustainable footing so it can be there for people who need it in the future, while continuing to support those people with higher needs relating to their long-term health condition or disability. Some people get PIP from scoring 1, 2 or 3 points, arising from needs which could individually be managed with small interventions or the addition of an aid or appliance. Focusing PIP on those with a higher level of functional need in at least one activity - people who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them – will ensure that PIP is sustainable now and into the future. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. For those already on PIP, the changes to PIP eligibility will only apply at their next award review.   We are also consulting on how best to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. Alongside the introduction of this new requirement, in the Green Paper, we promised to review the PIP assessment by working with disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, and other experts. As announced by the Secretary of State in the House of Commons on 12 May, we have started the first phase of the review. I will be meeting with stakeholders to develop the scope and terms of reference of the review and will keep the House updated as this work progresses. On decision making more broadly, we ensure a high standard is maintained for PIP assessments through having an Independent Audit function that continually monitors the performance of assessment providers. At the decision-making stage, we have a multi-tiered Quality Assurance Framework to ensure decisions are legal and payments are accurate.

With reference to paragraphs 139 and 140 of her Department's publication entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, published on 18 March 2025, what evidence base was used to determined that claimants who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity have higher needs.

PIP provides a contribution to extra costs, but, over recent years, claims have increased significantly, outstripping the growth in disability prevalence. Changes are needed to put benefit spending on a sustainable footing so it can be there for people who need it in the future, while continuing to support those people with higher needs relating to their long-term health condition or disability. Some people get PIP from scoring 1, 2 or 3 points, arising from needs which could individually be managed with small interventions or the addition of an aid or appliance. Focusing PIP on those with a higher level of functional need in at least one activity - people who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them – will ensure that PIP is sustainable now and into the future. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. For those already on PIP, the changes to PIP eligibility will only apply at their next award review.   We are also consulting on how best to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. Alongside the introduction of this new requirement, in the Green Paper, we promised to review the PIP assessment by working with disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, and other experts. As announced by the Secretary of State in the House of Commons on 12 May, we have started the first phase of the review. I will be meeting with stakeholders to develop the scope and terms of reference of the review and will keep the House updated as this work progresses. On decision making more broadly, we ensure a high standard is maintained for PIP assessments through having an Independent Audit function that continually monitors the performance of assessment providers. At the decision-making stage, we have a multi-tiered Quality Assurance Framework to ensure decisions are legal and payments are accurate.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33251 on Domestic Abuse: Parents, when she plans to publish the Government response to the consultation on the definition of child-to-parent abuse.

Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a top priority for this Government.A consultation into the definition of child to parent abuse was launched by the previous government but never responded to. This Government is looking afresh at theresponses and will provide an update in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 29617 on Heathrow Airport, if she will update her Department's Appraisal of sustainability for the proposed Airports National Policy Statement, published 5 June 2018, as part of her review of the Airports National Policy Statement.

The Secretary of State will determine the scope of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement. She will comply with any statutory requirements relating to carrying out an appraisal of sustainability of an amended National Policy Statement set out in the Planning Act 2008.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to monitor the effective implementation of Government consultation principles on the needs of people affected by air pollution.

Defra seeks to align its consultations with the Cabinet Office consultations principles, published in 2018, to ensure our consultations are accessible to a wide variety of stakeholders and gather the best possible information to assist with policy development.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will issue guidance to British nationals joining the Israeli Defence Forces on the risks of being involved in actions that are contrary to international agreements signed by the UK.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not hold specific information on British Nationals who have served with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The UK recognises the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality. The FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza. Israel travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Allegations of war crimes should be submitted to the Met Police for investigation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the number of UK citizens that (a) have served since 7 October 2023 and (b) are serving with the Israeli Defence Forces.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not hold specific information on British Nationals who have served with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The UK recognises the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality. The FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza. Israel travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Allegations of war crimes should be submitted to the Met Police for investigation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to (a) monitor and (b) investigate the conduct of British citizens serving with the Israeli Defence Forces.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not hold specific information on British Nationals who have served with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The UK recognises the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality. The FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza. Israel travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Allegations of war crimes should be submitted to the Met Police for investigation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 28 March 2025 to Question 40020 on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Health Services, whether he has had discussions with the British Association of Clinicians in ME/CFS on the myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome delivery plan; and whether that plan will establish more NHS specialist ME/CFS services.

We are engaging with our myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), Task and Finish Group, including the British Association of Clinicians in ME/CFS, seeking their feedback and suggestions as we develop our final delivery plan for ME/CFS. We will use that feedback, alongside the responses to the 2023 consultation on the interim delivery plan, to inform the final delivery plan, which we will publish by the end of June.The contents of the delivery plan are still being finalised. However, the three key themes will be boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the press release entitled £2 billion new investment to support biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation, published on 25 March 2025, how many and what proportion of these homes will be social housing for people experiencing homelessness.

At Spring statement, the government announced an immediate injection of £2 billion to support delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and contribute to our ambitious Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament. Further detail can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement made on 25 March 2025 (HCWS549). The investment made at Spring statement follows the £800 million in new in-year funding which has been made available for the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme and that will support the delivery of up to 7,800 new homes, with more than half of them being Social Rent homes. We will set out set details of new investment to succeed the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review. This new investment will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and homeownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for social rent. Homes England and GLA will assess bids received in the usual way before awarding funding. Exact funding to different places and the locations of homes that will be built will depend on the bids received from local authorities and housing associations. This new investment will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and homeownership. We have asked HE, GLA and bidders to prioritise homes for social rent, and will publish the number of homes delivered at each tenure in an annual report to Parliament. Local authorities are responsible for their own allocation scheme within the framework of legislation. By law, people who are homeless must be given ‘reasonable preference’ (priority) and local authorities can give ‘additional preference’ (high priority) to those who have urgent housing needs.

How many Office for Students’ staff hours were spent on work relating to the Office for Students' regulatory case report for the University of Sussex, published on 26 March 2025 broken down by grade.

This government is committed to free speech as a non-negotiable, and expects universities to take their responsibilities to upholding it seriously.The Office for Students (OfS) is an independent regulator responsible for ensuring that higher education (HE) in England delivers positive outcomes for students. While the OfS operates within the broader policy framework set by the department, it maintains operational independence in its regulatory decisions and activities.Their core regulatory activity is funded primarily through fees paid by registered providers, rather than the public purse. The OfS may also require a provider in relation to which a sanction has been imposed, to pay the costs incurred by the OfS in relation to imposing the sanction.Investigations on breaches to conditions of registration forms the core regulatory purpose of the OfS, it is therefore not possible to calculate the specific costs for individual investigations.The OfS’s published policy on monetary penalties, ‘Regulatory advice 19', makes provision for a reduced penalty where a settlement is reached at an early stage of an investigation. This is intended to avoid the OfS and a provider needing to expend resources to complete the detailed work necessary to draft and respond to provisional and final decisions.Whether the OfS sought external legal advice on any matter, including the investigation into Sussex, is a matter for the OfS, and it is strictly confidential.The OfS plans to publish further guidance on providers’ duties to take steps to secure free speech shortly, ahead of new duties on HE providers under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 coming into force. This is currently planned for 1 August.

With reference to the Office for Students' regulatory case report for the University of Sussex, published on 26 March 2025, whether the Office for Students plans to issue guidance to higher education institutions following the report.

This government is committed to free speech as a non-negotiable, and expects universities to take their responsibilities to upholding it seriously.The Office for Students (OfS) is an independent regulator responsible for ensuring that higher education (HE) in England delivers positive outcomes for students. While the OfS operates within the broader policy framework set by the department, it maintains operational independence in its regulatory decisions and activities.Their core regulatory activity is funded primarily through fees paid by registered providers, rather than the public purse. The OfS may also require a provider in relation to which a sanction has been imposed, to pay the costs incurred by the OfS in relation to imposing the sanction.Investigations on breaches to conditions of registration forms the core regulatory purpose of the OfS, it is therefore not possible to calculate the specific costs for individual investigations.The OfS’s published policy on monetary penalties, ‘Regulatory advice 19', makes provision for a reduced penalty where a settlement is reached at an early stage of an investigation. This is intended to avoid the OfS and a provider needing to expend resources to complete the detailed work necessary to draft and respond to provisional and final decisions.Whether the OfS sought external legal advice on any matter, including the investigation into Sussex, is a matter for the OfS, and it is strictly confidential.The OfS plans to publish further guidance on providers’ duties to take steps to secure free speech shortly, ahead of new duties on HE providers under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 coming into force. This is currently planned for 1 August.

Whether the Office for Students commissioned external legal counsel in relation to their (a) regulatory case report for the University of Sussex, published on 26 March 2025 and (b) investigation which led to that report.

This government is committed to free speech as a non-negotiable, and expects universities to take their responsibilities to upholding it seriously.The Office for Students (OfS) is an independent regulator responsible for ensuring that higher education (HE) in England delivers positive outcomes for students. While the OfS operates within the broader policy framework set by the department, it maintains operational independence in its regulatory decisions and activities.Their core regulatory activity is funded primarily through fees paid by registered providers, rather than the public purse. The OfS may also require a provider in relation to which a sanction has been imposed, to pay the costs incurred by the OfS in relation to imposing the sanction.Investigations on breaches to conditions of registration forms the core regulatory purpose of the OfS, it is therefore not possible to calculate the specific costs for individual investigations.The OfS’s published policy on monetary penalties, ‘Regulatory advice 19', makes provision for a reduced penalty where a settlement is reached at an early stage of an investigation. This is intended to avoid the OfS and a provider needing to expend resources to complete the detailed work necessary to draft and respond to provisional and final decisions.Whether the OfS sought external legal advice on any matter, including the investigation into Sussex, is a matter for the OfS, and it is strictly confidential.The OfS plans to publish further guidance on providers’ duties to take steps to secure free speech shortly, ahead of new duties on HE providers under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 coming into force. This is currently planned for 1 August.

With reference to the Office for Students' regulatory case report for the University of Sussex, published on 26 March 2025, what was the cost to the public purse of the investigation which led to this report.

This government is committed to free speech as a non-negotiable, and expects universities to take their responsibilities to upholding it seriously.The Office for Students (OfS) is an independent regulator responsible for ensuring that higher education (HE) in England delivers positive outcomes for students. While the OfS operates within the broader policy framework set by the department, it maintains operational independence in its regulatory decisions and activities.Their core regulatory activity is funded primarily through fees paid by registered providers, rather than the public purse. The OfS may also require a provider in relation to which a sanction has been imposed, to pay the costs incurred by the OfS in relation to imposing the sanction.Investigations on breaches to conditions of registration forms the core regulatory purpose of the OfS, it is therefore not possible to calculate the specific costs for individual investigations.The OfS’s published policy on monetary penalties, ‘Regulatory advice 19', makes provision for a reduced penalty where a settlement is reached at an early stage of an investigation. This is intended to avoid the OfS and a provider needing to expend resources to complete the detailed work necessary to draft and respond to provisional and final decisions.Whether the OfS sought external legal advice on any matter, including the investigation into Sussex, is a matter for the OfS, and it is strictly confidential.The OfS plans to publish further guidance on providers’ duties to take steps to secure free speech shortly, ahead of new duties on HE providers under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 coming into force. This is currently planned for 1 August.

What steps she is taking to (a) engage and (b) communicate with the public about major infrastructure projects.

The government is committed to delivering a cross-cutting 10 year infrastructure strategy communicating to the public its approach to housing, economic and social infrastructure, alongside a pipeline to give industry a clear sense of the government’s long-term priorities. The government is seeking to engage collaboratively with the public, including the construction sector, its supply chain, major investors and other key industry stakeholders as it develops the Strategy to understand how it can support investment in and the delivery of shared objectives for infrastructure. As part of this engagement, in January the government published a working paper setting out the government’s plans for the Strategy and some key areas under consideration.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the Institution of Civil Engineers entitled Paying for Britain’s Infrastructure System, published on 25 February 2025.

The government is committed to delivering a cross-cutting 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy communicating to the public its approach to housing, economic and social infrastructure, alongside a pipeline to give industry a clear sense of the government’s long-term priorities. The government has been engaging openly with industry – including the Institution of Civil Engineers – as it develops this Strategy to ensure that it is credible and deliverable. As part of this engagement, in January the government published a working paper setting out the government’s plans for the Strategy and some key areas under consideration.