Every parliamentary written question tabled by Wendy Morton this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 221–240 of 1,692 · this parliament
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help protect British citizens from detention or refusal of entry following flight diversions into the Schengen area.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Government of Gibraltar on the functioning of border arrangements.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether UK citizens will retain unrestricted access to Gibraltar once the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty and associated border arrangements are fully implemented.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what interim arrangements are in place to manage border and entry for Gibraltar pending the implementation of the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has reviewed the legal and regulatory frameworks governing Gibraltar’s aviation, immigration and border arrangements.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
Media and Sport, with reference to the Written Statement of 22 January 2026 on Launch of new capital fund for places of worship, HCWS1268, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of ending the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on the financial sustainability of (a) historic churches and (b) other faith buildings; what estimate she has made of the potential number of repairs likely to be (i) delayed and (ii) cancelled as a result; and what estimate she has made of the additional financial burden placed on congregations and local communities.
The Department conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The evaluation included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. The evaluation did not assess the impact of ending the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on the financial sustainability of places of worship. Our evaluation showed that while it had many benefits, 80% of respondents said that they would still have carried out the work without the rebate. As we look towards a new fiscal period and the evolving needs of our community, it is essential that government support is deployed to the areas where it can have the greatest impact and where it is needed most. Over the next four years, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will invest £92 million capital funding into listed places of worship and is designed to ensure that taxpayer funding is targeted more effectively toward the preservation of our heritage assets.
Media and Sport, with reference to the Written Statement of 22 January 2026 on Launch of new capital fund for places of worship, HCWS1268, and the evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, what evidence her Department has used to support the determination that 80% of respondents would have undertaken works without the rebate; and what steps her Department took to assess whether those works would have been delayed, scaled back, or funded through additional fundraising and debt.
The Department conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The evaluation included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. Our evaluation showed that while it had many benefits, 80% of respondents said that they would still have carried out the work without the rebate.
Media and Sport, with reference to the Written Statement of 22 January 2026 on Launch of new capital fund for places of worship, HCWS1268, what reporting requirements will apply to Historic England in administering the Places of Worship Renewal Fund; if her Department will publish annual data on applications, approvals, refusals and regional allocation; and how Ministers will assess whether the scheme represents an improvement on the previous grant system.
Further details on the Places of Worship Renewal Fund specific criteria, application process and funding allocation will be announced in due course, along with details on monitoring and evaluation.
Media and Sport, with reference to the Written Statement of 22 January 2026 on Launch of new capital fund for places of worship, HCWS1268, what assessment she has made of the wider community role of places of worship when designing the new funding scheme; and if she will prioritise funding for buildings that provide essential community services beyond worship.
Many places of worship also provide essential community services beyond worship and will consider this as we develop criteria, however we also acknowledge that not all religions use places of worship in this way. We are currently designing the specific criteria for the new scheme.
Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of ending the Memorial Grant Scheme on the preservation of local war memorials; how the new £2 million memorial fund compares in scope and accessibility to the previous scheme; and what steps she is taking to ensure that smaller community memorials are not neglected or lost.
The Memorial Grant scheme rebates VAT on eligible works to memorials and had a budget of £150,000 in this financial year. No formal assessment has been made of the specific impact of closing the scheme. The new £2 million War Memorial Fund will support the conservation and repair of war memorials across the UK. We are currently working with the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the War Memorials Trust to develop scheme criteria and this will include how to proactively engage local communities with at-risk war memorials.
Communities and Local Government, whether he has sought legal advice on the ability to intervene directly to help resolve the industrial dispute affecting waste services in Birmingham.
The Secretary of State has powers set out in the Local Government Act 1999 to direct councils to take specific action he considers necessary or expedient to secure compliance with the Best Value Duty. This is a duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. To use such powers, the Secretary of State needs to be satisfied that the council is failing its Best Value Duty. These powers were used to establish the ongoing intervention at Birmingham City Council, whereby directions were given to the Council and Commissioners, as set in the Directions published on GOV.UK, to support the Council’s recovery and improvement journey. Commissioners have powers relating to governance, finance and recruitment which they can use according to their expert judgement and discretion. The department engages regularly with Birmingham City Council and Commissioners, as is normal for all Councils under intervention, and continues to monitor the disruption caused by the bin strikes and the associated impact to the residents of the city. The waste dispute is a local issue and is rightly being dealt with by the Council. The Government has no formal role in negotiations.
Communities and Local Government, what advice he has received from departmental officials on whether he has the power to (a) facilitate and (b) require talks between Birmingham City Council and trade unions to resolve the current waste collection dispute.
The Secretary of State has powers set out in the Local Government Act 1999 to direct councils to take specific action he considers necessary or expedient to secure compliance with the Best Value Duty. This is a duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. To use such powers, the Secretary of State needs to be satisfied that the council is failing its Best Value Duty. These powers were used to establish the ongoing intervention at Birmingham City Council, whereby directions were given to the Council and Commissioners, as set in the Directions published on GOV.UK, to support the Council’s recovery and improvement journey. Commissioners have powers relating to governance, finance and recruitment which they can use according to their expert judgement and discretion. The department engages regularly with Birmingham City Council and Commissioners, as is normal for all Councils under intervention, and continues to monitor the disruption caused by the bin strikes and the associated impact to the residents of the city. The waste dispute is a local issue and is rightly being dealt with by the Council. The Government has no formal role in negotiations.
Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to use existing powers to bring the parties involved in the Birmingham waste dispute together for negotiations.
The Secretary of State has powers set out in the Local Government Act 1999 to direct councils to take specific action he considers necessary or expedient to secure compliance with the Best Value Duty. This is a duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. To use such powers, the Secretary of State needs to be satisfied that the council is failing its Best Value Duty. These powers were used to establish the ongoing intervention at Birmingham City Council, whereby directions were given to the Council and Commissioners, as set in the Directions published on GOV.UK, to support the Council’s recovery and improvement journey. Commissioners have powers relating to governance, finance and recruitment which they can use according to their expert judgement and discretion. The department engages regularly with Birmingham City Council and Commissioners, as is normal for all Councils under intervention, and continues to monitor the disruption caused by the bin strikes and the associated impact to the residents of the city. The waste dispute is a local issue and is rightly being dealt with by the Council. The Government has no formal role in negotiations.
With reference to HCWS1248, what assessment has been made of existing regional variation in access to prostate cancer treatments and what steps are being taken to prevent disparities in uptake between different NHS trusts and integrated care boards.
Approximately 2,000 men diagnosed in the last three months with non‑metastatic prostate cancer will now be able to receive abiraterone where it is of clinical benefit, alongside prednisolone. An additional 7,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and will be eligible for the drug. The clinical treatment criteria are available via the Cancer Drugs Fund list at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-cancer-drugs-fund-list/These national clinical treatment criteria ensure equity of access for patients across England.NHS England sets national service standards for those elements of cancer care designated as specialised services. Integrated care boards, supported by Cancer Alliances, are expected to plan and organise access to prostate cancer treatment in line with national standards. The integration of specialised and nonspecialised commissioning allows them to join up care and target resources where they can have the greatest impact on outcomes.The National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) assesses the process of care and its outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England and Wales. Further information about the NPCA can be found via the National Disease Registration Service at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/our-work/ncras-partnerships/national-prostate-cancer-audit-npcaInformation regarding the annual cost of expanding access to abiraterone is commercially sensitive. The availability of generic abiraterone means the National Health Service in England can procure the treatment at a lower cost than Zytiga under patent. NHS England has been able to give the green light to the rollout of generic abiraterone for thousands more eligible patients thanks to the health service buying and delivering treatments at better value, following the clinical advice to roll the treatment out last year.
With reference to HCWS1248, what estimate has been made of the annual cost to the NHS of expanding access to abiraterone; what savings have been achieved through the availability of generic versions of the drug; and how value for money will be assessed over the course of the commissioning policy.
Approximately 2,000 men diagnosed in the last three months with non‑metastatic prostate cancer will now be able to receive abiraterone where it is of clinical benefit, alongside prednisolone. An additional 7,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and will be eligible for the drug. The clinical treatment criteria are available via the Cancer Drugs Fund list at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-cancer-drugs-fund-list/These national clinical treatment criteria ensure equity of access for patients across England.NHS England sets national service standards for those elements of cancer care designated as specialised services. Integrated care boards, supported by Cancer Alliances, are expected to plan and organise access to prostate cancer treatment in line with national standards. The integration of specialised and nonspecialised commissioning allows them to join up care and target resources where they can have the greatest impact on outcomes.The National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) assesses the process of care and its outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England and Wales. Further information about the NPCA can be found via the National Disease Registration Service at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/our-work/ncras-partnerships/national-prostate-cancer-audit-npcaInformation regarding the annual cost of expanding access to abiraterone is commercially sensitive. The availability of generic abiraterone means the National Health Service in England can procure the treatment at a lower cost than Zytiga under patent. NHS England has been able to give the green light to the rollout of generic abiraterone for thousands more eligible patients thanks to the health service buying and delivering treatments at better value, following the clinical advice to roll the treatment out last year.
With reference to HCWS1248, how many patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer are expected to be eligible for abiraterone in each of the next three financial years; what clinical criteria determine eligibility; and how NHS England will ensure consistent access across all integrated care boards.
Approximately 2,000 men diagnosed in the last three months with non‑metastatic prostate cancer will now be able to receive abiraterone where it is of clinical benefit, alongside prednisolone. An additional 7,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and will be eligible for the drug. The clinical treatment criteria are available via the Cancer Drugs Fund list at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-cancer-drugs-fund-list/These national clinical treatment criteria ensure equity of access for patients across England.NHS England sets national service standards for those elements of cancer care designated as specialised services. Integrated care boards, supported by Cancer Alliances, are expected to plan and organise access to prostate cancer treatment in line with national standards. The integration of specialised and nonspecialised commissioning allows them to join up care and target resources where they can have the greatest impact on outcomes.The National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) assesses the process of care and its outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England and Wales. Further information about the NPCA can be found via the National Disease Registration Service at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/our-work/ncras-partnerships/national-prostate-cancer-audit-npcaInformation regarding the annual cost of expanding access to abiraterone is commercially sensitive. The availability of generic abiraterone means the National Health Service in England can procure the treatment at a lower cost than Zytiga under patent. NHS England has been able to give the green light to the rollout of generic abiraterone for thousands more eligible patients thanks to the health service buying and delivering treatments at better value, following the clinical advice to roll the treatment out last year.
With reference to HCWS1248, what arrangements are in place to monitor patient outcomes following the expanded use of abiraterone at earlier stages of prostate cancer; and whether those outcomes will be published on a national and regional basis.
Approximately 2,000 men diagnosed in the last three months with non‑metastatic prostate cancer will now be able to receive abiraterone where it is of clinical benefit, alongside prednisolone. An additional 7,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and will be eligible for the drug. The clinical treatment criteria are available via the Cancer Drugs Fund list at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-cancer-drugs-fund-list/These national clinical treatment criteria ensure equity of access for patients across England.NHS England sets national service standards for those elements of cancer care designated as specialised services. Integrated care boards, supported by Cancer Alliances, are expected to plan and organise access to prostate cancer treatment in line with national standards. The integration of specialised and nonspecialised commissioning allows them to join up care and target resources where they can have the greatest impact on outcomes.The National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) assesses the process of care and its outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England and Wales. Further information about the NPCA can be found via the National Disease Registration Service at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/our-work/ncras-partnerships/national-prostate-cancer-audit-npcaInformation regarding the annual cost of expanding access to abiraterone is commercially sensitive. The availability of generic abiraterone means the National Health Service in England can procure the treatment at a lower cost than Zytiga under patent. NHS England has been able to give the green light to the rollout of generic abiraterone for thousands more eligible patients thanks to the health service buying and delivering treatments at better value, following the clinical advice to roll the treatment out last year.
What assessment she has made of the adequacy of funding for road maintenance for metropolitan authorities.
The Government recognises that historic under-investment has made it difficult for authorities to maintain their roads in the way that they would want to. The Government has therefore confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This new, four-year funding settlement is in addition to the Government's investment of £1.6 billion this year, a £500 million increase compared to last year. By confirming funding allocations for a four-year period, authorities have certainty to plan ahead and shift from short-term fixes to proactive, preventative maintenance. Metropolitan authorities that are part of a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) who receive a City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), receive their baseline highways maintenance funding consolidated into their City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) which is paid to the relevant MSA. From 2027/28, 9 eligible MSAs will receive increased funding from the Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlement.
What steps he is taking to prevent mistaken prisoner releases.
Releases in error are never acceptable, and we are bearing down on those errors that do occur. Following the release in error of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford, we took immediate steps to make the processes that take place when a prisoner is released more robust. This includes implementing a clear checklist for governors to determine that every step has been followed before any release takes place.On 11 November, the Deputy Prime Minister announced this Government’s five-point action plan to address the causes of releases in error. This includes an urgent query process with a dedicated unit and court experts to allow prisons to quickly escalate warrant-related queries and reduce release errors, a multi-million pound investment to deploy digital tools and upgrade outdated paper-based processes, and an independent review into the recent errors and systemic issues, with recommendations to prevent further inaccuracies.
What recent discussions she has had with Transport for West Midlands on improving bus reliability in the Black Country.
The Government is committed to helping local leaders improve local bus services and improve reliability across England, including in the West Midlands. The Department for Transport regularly engages with local authority representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority, including as part of our support to local transport authorities pursuing bus franchising. We are taking action to give local leaders the powers they need to deliver better bus services for passengers, including through the Bus Services Act 2025 which devolved powers to local authorities who know their local areas the best. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support local leaders and bus operators to improve bus services over the spending review period. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year. The West Midlands Combined Authority will be allocated £119.4 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in addition to the £37 million they are already receiving this year. This funding can be used to expand services and improve reliability.