Written questions by Creasy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what the average time was for a consignment entering Sevington Border Control Post to leave following (a) a physical inspection and (b) any other inspection in each week since 30 April 2024.

Monitoring and enforcing the border controls introduced under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is undertaken collaboratively between bodies including Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Border Force and HMRC. Our checks are intelligence-led and based on biosecurity risk: It would be inappropriate for us to set out operational details such as the exact inspection details from 30 April. Checking details, such as time taken to review consignments, could be used by bad actors looking for exploitable elements of the border to facilitate illegal imports. Furthermore, this information is also commercially sensitive. HMG does not wish to impact trader choice of route as details of checks completed may advantage/disadvantage other ports as traders may BCP shop to find what appears on paper to be the “fastest route”.

With reference to the Answer of 19 February 2024 to Question 13568 on Sexual Harassment, when she plans that the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 will come into force.

Everyone has the right to live in freedom from fear. Women and girls are still facing threats of violence and abuse and we will not stand by and let this continue.This Government considers tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) a national emergency, and we are committed to halving levels of VAWG within the next decade.This includes tackling public sexual harassment, which can have a devastating impact on victims and mean that women do not feel safe on our streets. The Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Act 2023 will make it a specific offence and see perpetrators face up to 2 years in jail. We will confirm next steps imminently.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the (a) number, (b) value and (c) repayment rate of invoices issued at each border control point for charges incurred since 30 April 2024.

HM Government is responsible for setting charges on imports coming into GB to recover operating costs for the government-run BCP facilities serving the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. Further detail on the Common User Charge including on invoicing and ongoing support will be published imminently. The Common User Charge (CUC) rate will not apply at privately-run ports; it is up to individual commercial ports to determine their own charging structure and rates.

With reference to the judgement in R (on the application of Finch on behalf of the Weald Action Group) (Appellant) v Surrey County Council and others (Respondents) UKSC 2022/0064, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of that judgement on existing licences for oil production.

The Department is considering the outcome of the Finch case and the potential impacts of this across its portfolio and cannot comment further at this time.

When she expects the implementation of safe access zones around abortion clinics to be enacted.

It is unacceptable that anyone should be subjected to harassment or intimidation for exercising their legal right to have access to abortion services. We will quickly review where these arrangements have got to and commence safe access zones around abortion clinics imminently.

Communities and Local Government, whether the Community Ownership Fund Round 4 Window 2 will be reopened and restored for applications.

This government is committed to the communities sector and community ownership through empowering communities to own and run those local assets which mean the most to them. The English Devolution Bill will empower communities with a strong new ‘right to buy’ beloved community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces.We will make further announcements in due course.