Written questions by Morton.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Minister’s oral contribution during the debate on Gavi and the Global Fund of 15 May 2025, Official Report, column 203WH, when he will write to me on the potential use of the International Finance Facility for Immunisation.

The UK is a long-standing supporter of Gavi, contributing £1.65 billion from 2021-2025, with £590 million via International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). I recognise the value of IFFIm in enabling Gavi to efficiently manage financing and quickly scale up vaccines during health crises. We will be announcing our GAVI + IFFIM contributions on Wednesday 25 June.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the data set used to analyse carbon leakage assessments in the recent consultation on free allocation review for the UK Emissions Trading System.

The provision of Free Allocation under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) mitigates the risk of carbon leakage by reducing industrial sectors’ exposure to the carbon price. The UK ETS Authority is reviewing Free Allocation policy to ensure it targets sectors most at risk of carbon leakage and consulted on its approach to carbon leakage assessment. DESNZ officials have engaged extensively with representatives from energy intensive industries and carefully considered the methodology used to determine carbon leakage risk, including the data sets used in calculations. The outcomes of the Free Allocation Review, including the data used to assess carbon leakage, will be published in an upcoming Government Response accompanied by an Impact Assessment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Ukrainian government on the adequacy of the availability of (a) insurance and (b) other mechanisms to help (i) support and (ii) de-risk foreign commercial engagement in Ukraine.

The UK works closely with the Ukrainian government on a range of insurance and other derisking measures to support investment in Ukraine. In March, I and the Minister of State (Gareth Thomas) hosted an insurance industry roundtable at Lloyd's of London jointly with Ministers from the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy to identify the barriers and opportunities to scale up insurance initiatives in Ukraine. We have subsequently supported the Government of Ukraine to establish an insurance task force to collaborate with industry and develop initiatives that make insurance more affordable and widely accessible. Beyond insurance, UK Ministers have discussed and provided support to Ukraine on export credit through UK Export Finance and on investment climate reform where we are providing technical expertise on investment promotion and financial sector reforms through the City-Ukraine hub. I look forward to further opportunities to raise these issues with business and insurance representatives at the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the trade deal with India on UK ceramics manufacturers.

The Department recognises the significant challenges faced by energy-intensive industries like ceramics, including rising global energy costs, unfair trading practices, and carbon leakage. We are taking action to protect these industries, including through trade defence measures against dumping and subsidisation. The UK-India FTA also includes a bilateral safeguard mechanism, allowing the UK to suspend or increase tariff concessions if the industry is facing injury. Over 93% of Indian ceramics entered the UK tariff-free in 2024 whilst the remaining 7% paid a tariff. 11 of the 43 ceramics tariff lines are dutiable and face a simple average tariff of 4%.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with UK brick manufacturers on meeting the demand for new homes.

The government is working with industry to ensure the housebuilding sector has access to the construction materials needed to build 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this parliament.We expect suppliers to increase capacity to meet demand, and we have seen deliveries of bricks in England, Scotland and Wales increase by 10% in the year to April 2025.Added to that, construction materials prices are stable, rising only 1% between January 2024 and January 2025, far below the rate of inflation for the wider UK economy.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what consideration has he given to staffing (a) levels and (b) structures in his Department following changes to levels of ODA spending.

The Foreign Secretary has been clear about the reform needed in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to ensure it is fit for the future and is delivering for the British people. The FCDO will consider the size and shape of its workforce in the context of the wider Spending Review settlement to ensure that it remains affordable. The Foreign Secretary is working closely with the Treasury to ensure our diplomatic, intelligence and development footprint will align with our priorities. We expect the department to become smaller as a result.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Minister’s oral contribution during the debate on Gavi and the Global Fund of 15 May 2025, Official Report, column 203WH, when he will provide a detailed breakdown of the level of UK aid reaching Gaza.

The UK provides humanitarian aid to Gaza via trusted partners, including UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). In January 2025, £17 million was announced for food, healthcare and shelter, alongside a broader £129 million commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Since October 2023, Israeli-imposed restrictions have severely limited access. While some UK-funded aid has reached Gaza, other supplies remain at border crossings or in regional warehouses. Quantifying exact volumes is difficult due to limited real-time data and operational constraints. The UK continues to press for full, unimpeded humanitarian access and is working closely with partners to ensure aid reaches those in need.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 53875 on Sudan: Food Aid, how much funding will be allocated to Sudan in the 2025-26 financial year, in the context of the Spending Review 2025, published 11 June 2025.

The Spending Review allocations will be published in July 2025. We will then have a clear indication of how much funding will be allocated to Sudan for the 2025/2026 Financial Year (FY). The Foreign Secretary announced £120 million for this FY 2025/26 at the London Sudan Conference in April, which will provide assistance to 650,000 people in Sudan and across the region.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer to 46739 of 6 May 2025 on Sudan: Armed Conflict, when he plans to write to the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills about the cost of the London Sudan conference 2025.

We have written to the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills with details of the cost figures for the London Sudan Conference 2025.

What steps is he taking to include (a) ceramics and (b) manufacturers in the Industrial Strategy.

The Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, part of the Industrial Strategy, outlines government support for the sector, including skills, energy, and regulations. Ceramics has been identified in the Industrial Strategy as part of our initial list of inputs from foundational industries that are important to unlocking growth in our priority sectors. Some ceramics businesses will benefit from increased network charge compensation, priced at around £10/MWh. Additionally, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will cut electricity costs by up to 25% for eligible electricity-intensive businesses including foundational manufacturing industries, such as ceramics. We will consult on the design and eligibility shortly, with a review point in 2030.

What assessment he has made of the (a) resilience of the clay brick and rooftile industry and (b) potential impact of (i) energy costs and (ii) the UK Emissions Trading Scheme on that industry.

The department works closely with the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group. Their most recent statement, on 23 April, noted the materials supply chain as functioning well and product availability generally good. We recognise high energy prices are a key challenge for businesses, and our Clean Power 2030 target is key to long-term sustainable price reductions. Our modern Industrial Strategy announced a new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme that will reduce electricity costs and support thousands of energy intensive businesses. UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) participants are provided with free allocations to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and incentivise emissions reduction. The UK ETS Authority is reviewing Free Allocation policy and has guaranteed current free allocation levels until 2027.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February to Question 28555 on Nutrition for Growth Summit, whether it his Department’s policy to spend £1.5 billion on nutrition objectives by 2030, in the context of the Spending Review 2025.

The Spending Review 2025 confirmed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 2026/27 onwards. Over the coming months, the Department will undertake detailed planning to determine how this budget will be allocated. The FCDO is reviewing how these allocations will support existing and future commitments, with a continued focus on ensuring all ODA spending delivers value for money and advances the UK's development priorities.At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to integrating nutrition objectives and investments across sectors including health, agriculture, humanitarian response, and climate to improve nutrition outcomes. Decisions on specific funding levels, including those relating to nutrition, will be made as part of the broader resource allocation process.

What funding she has allocated to the completion of the Midlands Rail Hub.

The Chancellor’s commitment to progress Midlands Rail Hub West in the 2025 Spending Review follows the release of £123 million last year to design the first phase, which could be delivered by the early 2030s.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 September 2024 to Question 2344 on Railways: West Midlands, what impact her Department’s internal review of its capital spend portfolio had on the decision on Midlands Rail Hub.

As referenced by the Chancellor, this settlement shows the government's commitment to progress Midlands Rail Hub West, strengthening connections between Birmingham, the South-West and Wales.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Spending Review 2025 on 11 June 2025, what funding will be provided to progress the next stage of the Midlands Rail Hub.

The Chancellor’s commitment to progress Midlands Rail Hub West in the 2025 Spending Review follows the release of £123 million last year to design the first phase, which could be delivered by the early 2030s.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answers of 28 April 2025 to Question 47228, what his plans for the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive are following the Spending Review.

Our new Sustainable Farming Incentive offer will be more targeted to better meet priorities on food, farming and nature. More details on the offer will be available later in the summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, what funding will be provided for the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in this spending review period.

The UK has long been a strong supporter of The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. We have committed £1 billion to the current grant cycle covering 2023-2025. The Spending Review does not finalise detailed Official Development Assistance spending plans at the level of individual countries, institutions, or programmes. Ministers are now considering decisions over the coming months to take effect from April 2026.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 41835 on Africa: Development Aid, if he will set out bilateral country ODA budgets following the Spending Review.

We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 42468 on Development Aid: Cost Effectiveness, what impact assessments his Department undertook as part of the Spending Review; and if he will publish his Department's criteria for determining (a) the levels of ODA funding for the (i) 2025-26 and (ii) 2026-27 financial years and (b) whether those levels constitute value for money.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Equality impact assessments are an essential part of how we make decisions on ODA allocations. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used are being worked through based on various factors including impact assessments.Our initial 2025/26 ODA allocations aim to maximise the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's flexibility ahead of setting final ODA allocations, while meeting legally binding commitments and existing live contracts and agreements and allowing crucial new work to continue through an exemptions process. They will play an important role in laying the foundations for the pivot in our approach to development and sharpening of our priorities to help smooth the transition to 0.3 per cent.As part of the Spending Review for 2026/27 onwards, HMT set out the fiscal parameters for ODA over the Spending Review (SR) period. The Foreign Secretary led an evidence-based process to inform the Treasury's ODA allocations across departments for the SR period. Planned programming was assessed against effectiveness, delivery against our sharpened priorities, and coherence across government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in ODA following the Spending Review on the UK’s efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance globally.

We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We continue to work across Government and with our international partners to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through our programming and diplomatic engagement.