Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make a comparative assessment of the decrease in tobacco duty as set out in HMRC's annual tax receipts bulletin with the ONS smoking prevalence data in (a) 2023 to 2024 and (b) 2024-2025.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In 2023/24 tobacco duty receipts totalled £8,804 million. In 2024/25, tobacco duty receipts fell 10% to £7,926 million.

ONS smoking prevalence data is published by calendar year. In 2023 approximately 12% of over 18s in the UK were current smokers. The ONS has yet to publish data on smoking prevalence for 2024.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to help reduce youth unemployment.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

As part of our plan to Get Britain Working, we are launching a new Youth Guarantee for all young people aged 18-21 in England to ensure that they can access quality training opportunities, an apprenticeship or help to find work. The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education are working closely with the eight Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England, which began mobilising the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in April 2025. The eight areas delivering Trailblazers are: the West of England, Tees Valley, East Midlands, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands and two areas within the Greater London Authority. The trailblazers will run for 12 months, and we will use the learning to inform the future design and development of the Youth Guarantee as it rolls-out across the rest of England.

This is part of a broader package of reforms, including introduction of a new jobs and careers service to help get more people into work, the development of work, health and skills plans for the economically inactive, and the launch of Skills England to open up new opportunities for young people. We will work in partnership with organisations and businesses at the national and local level to offer exciting and engaging opportunities to young people. This could include work experience, training courses or employability programmes.

In addition, DWP continues to provide young people aged 16-24 with labour market support through an extensive range of interventions at a national and local level. This includes flexible provision driven by local need, nationwide employment programmes and support delivered by work coaches based in our Jobcentres and in local communities working alongside partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with His Majesty’s armed forces to improve the maritime defence of British Exclusive Economic Zones.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The primary role of the Royal Navy is to defend and protect the UK, whilst enhancing its resilience. As part of this core task, it monitors, tracks and responds to any potential threats in the UK EEZ, through frequent patrolling by British warships, monitoring and shadowing warships in UK waters, and use of the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) programme, among other activity and capabilities. The Government has also been clear on its readiness and willingness to respond decisively to any maritime threat to the UK and its interests.

The Strategic Defence Review has highlighted the enduring requirement to secure the UK maritime zone, and the steps needed to ensure the Royal Navy are equipped to respond to the changing nature of threat in this domain. The Government has accepted the review’s recommendations in full.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to reduce drug or alcohol linked fatalities on roads in (a) England and (b) Romford constituency.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.

THINK!, the Government’s flagship road safety campaign, works closely with local authority partners and the police to align on road safety campaign activity. In November 2024, THINK! launched a new drink driving campaign that highlighted the risks of losing your licence after drinking even a little before driving.

The Government is considering policy options in respect of motoring offences, including around drink and drug driving. Details will follow in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to improve the safety of domestic air travel.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport is committed to maintaining the highest standards for aviation safety. The DfT chaired State Safety Board (SSB) oversees UK Aviation Authorities and works to improve UK aviation safety. It identifies and mitigates safety risks to achieve our safety objectives that are: as a minimum, no accidents involving commercial air transport that result in serious injuries or fatalities, and no serious injuries or fatalities to third parties as a result of aviation activities.

We will shortly be publishing the UK State Safety Programme (SSP) which sets out these functions and an overview of how we oversee the UK aviation system. The UK Aviation Authorities includes the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Isle of Man CAA, Channel Islands CAA, Gibraltar CAA, and Air Safety Support International (ASSI) which has oversight of the Overseas Territories. The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is also the designated independent body for accident and serious incident investigation across the UK Aviation Authorities. The AAIB drives safety improvements through reports and recommendations.

Furthermore, the Department engages across the aviation industry to develop informed policies that are both responsive to industry needs and capable of advancing safety.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation set the global standards for aviation safety, and the UK participates in the development of standards and recommended practices to continually improve global aviation safety.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with His Majesty’s armed forces to improve defence co-operation with Singapore.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I am pleased to report positive momentum on our defence co-operation with Singapore. The Secretary of State for Defence met with the previous Singaporean Defence Minister in October 2024. Between March and May 2025, the Commander of UK Strategic Command, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Minister for the House of Lords and Chief of the Defence Staff met with their Singaporean counterparts to discuss means to enhance cooperation.

The Strategic Defence Review highlights the importance of our investment in the Five Power Defence Arrangements including Singapore to promote cooperation in the region. We have sought to deepen interoperability with Singapore including through shared logistics and support to enable the persistent deployment of our two offshore patrol vessels in the Indo Pacific. In May, we welcomed the RSS Formidable to London, the first Singaporean ship to the UK in 25 years.

Looking ahead, the UK's Carrier Strike Group will visit Singapore as its first port call in the region, during which time the Minister for the House of Lords and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff will visit.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to convene a cross-sectoral task force to develop a pathway to crate-free farrowing for the pig industry.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The use of farrowing crates and other close confinement systems for farmed animals is an issue which the Department is currently considering very carefully. The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway supports farmers to improve animal health and welfare through a series of co-designed incentives, and the Department will continue to work across all relevant sectors to encourage improvements in pig welfare.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help support the Thames Chase Community Forest.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

England's Community Forests are delivering the multi-million-pound national Trees for Climate programme, playing a significant part in the national Government's commitment to address climate change and carbon mitigation through tree planting and woodland creation. We are supporting England’s Community Forests through the provision of funding to create woodland in areas of social and canopy deprivation.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve the (a) availability and (b) quality of careers advice in secondary schools.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools and colleges are developing careers programmes for young people against the Gatsby Benchmarks, a clear set of standards for good careers guidance.

Overseen by the Careers and Enterprise Company, a national network of 44 careers hubs delivers careers support to 95% of secondary schools and colleges. The hubs connect careers provision to the needs of local economies and leverage support from employers, through strategic partnerships with strategic and local authorities.

Evidence shows that young people in schools and colleges achieving all eight Gatsby Benchmarks are 8% less likely to not be in education, employment or training. However, only 25% of schools and colleges fully achieve all benchmarks, so there is much more to do to.

To address this, the government has embedded updated Gatsby Benchmarks into statutory guidance, for implementation from September 2025. Evidence-based improvements to the benchmarks ensure a world-class framework that will lead to better outcomes for young people.

To boost work readiness, the government is also committed to ensuring every young person receives two weeks of work experience over the course of their secondary education. The goal is to ensure work experience builds up over time and focuses on growth sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54689 on Dangerous Dogs: Social Rented Housing, if he will provide additional guidance to the owners of XL Bully dogs who have exempted the dog but are denied the right to keep it in social housing.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

It is for the housing provider to decide their own policies on whether they permit tenants to keep exempted banned breed types. Owners of XL Bullies can contact their housing provider if they have queries about their policy in relation to exempted dogs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with His Majesty’s armed forces to improve the defence of the maritime infrastructure of British Overseas Territories.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK is responsible for the defence and security of all British Overseas Territories and takes these responsibilities incredibly seriously. The Ministry Of Defence routinely monitors for hostile activity and will take appropriate action in response to any legitimate threat, including providing high readiness maritime, land and air assets to deter and respond to threats as required. This includes defending our people, our territory, and our infrastructure, as necessary.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to support (a) parents and (b) children with home-schooling in (i) England and (ii) Romford constituency.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Every child deserves to receive an education that helps them to achieve and thrive. Every parent has the responsibility to provide this for their child and may choose to do so by educating them at home. Whilst that responsibility rests with the parent, it is important that they can work with education professionals and local authorities to ensure that the best education is provided.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently passing through Parliament, will require all local authorities in England and Wales to maintain registers of children who are not in school, including those who are home educating. Attached to this will be a duty on local authorities to provide support to home educating families who request assistance.

The department’s data collection on elective home education provides information on each local authority area, including what support is currently offered. All support is offered at the discretion of the local authority in each individual case. This data is accessible at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/elective-home-education/2024-25-autumn-term.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to mandate a defined minimum learning period before learner drivers can take their test.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We are considering measures and assessing their potential impacts to tackle the root causes of young and novice driver collisions. We will set out more details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with His Majesty’s armed forces to improve British fixed undersea surveillance capabilities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The recent Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 has set out strategic initiatives in the Maritime domain in terms of undersea surveillance capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and monitor threats. The SDR also advocates AI and machine learning to improve sonar algorithms and enhance data analysis for underwater surveillance. We will also continue our close collaboration with allies to monitor subsea threats and protect critical infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to lower the drink drive limit in England.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is considering policy options in respect of motoring offences, including around drink and drug driving. Details will follow in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to reduce fatalities involving young drivers in (a) England and (b) Romford constituency.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Local authorities have a statutory duty to take steps both to reduce and prevent collisions, and the powers to make their own decisions about the design of the streets under their care, taking account of the relevant legislation and official guidance.

My Department is developing its Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course. We absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are exploring options to tackle the root causes of this.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to mandate that learner drivers have practiced driving on motorways prior to taking a driving test.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has no current plans to mandate that all learner drivers must undertake motorway driving prior to their driving test, for several key reasons.

Not all learners have convenient access to motorways, with many candidates living in rural or remote areas where the nearest motorway may be some distance away. Requiring all candidates to drive on a motorway would risk creating an unfair barrier to test readiness and accessibility.

While motorway driving is valuable, the practical driving test already includes a strong focus on high-speed driving environments. Dual carriageways, which can present even greater risk due to variable traffic flows, mixed vehicle types, and more frequent junctions, are included in test routes, wherever possible. They provide critical opportunities to assess a candidate’s ability to manage higher speeds and complex traffic situations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has his Department made of the effect of the Hong Kong National Security Law on the (a) safety and (b) rights of (i) British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders and (ii) their families in (A) cases of transnational repression targeting relatives of exiled activists and (B) other matters.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. It has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. This government has consistently called on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach. The UK is clear that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas, are unacceptable. In June, myself and the Security Minister met those recently targeted by Hong Kong police with arrest warrants.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50066 on Venezuela: Human Rights and Politics and Government, whether he plans to meet UK-based civil society organisations supporting democracy in Venezuela.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK remains gravely concerned about Venezuela's democratic future. The UK has been clear that Nicolas Maduro's claim to power is fraudulent and that the outcome of the presidential elections on 28 July 2024 was neither free nor fair. The UK Government will continue to support the restoration of democracy to Venezuela, which is essential for the well-being of the country and its people. We are in regular contact with international partners, civil society and political figures towards this end. The UK continues to pay testament to the millions of Venezuelans who turned out to vote on 28 July 2024.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether the EU will be permitted to station inspectors in the UK to monitor compliance with EU law.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The details of new agreements described in the Common Understanding are subject to negotiation. I remind the Hon Member that EU inspectors are stationed in the United Kingdom under the Windsor Framework, negotiated by the previous government.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether the EU will be entitled to claim damages through arbitration if the UK fails to implement new EU laws.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The details of new agreements described in the Common Understanding are subject to negotiation. The Common Understanding is clear that new agreements will be subject to independent arbitration.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the proposed Security Pact with the EU will be based on the 2018 EU template for third-country participation in EU defence and foreign policy structures.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

At the UK-EU Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU agreed a unique and bespoke Security and Defence Partnership. The Partnership has been designed to complement our core bilateral security partnerships and support this Government’s commitment to NATO, which remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security.

The partnership documents frames cooperation through dialogues, information exchange and identification of collaborative opportunities including case-by-case involvement in EU initiatives.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to send election monitors to monitor the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in October 2025.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In line with the rest of the international community except Turkey, the UK does not recognise the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has no plans to send election monitors to monitor the "election" taking place in the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in October 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Hong Kong authorities on the reported prosecution of Kwok Yin-sang, the father of a British National (Overseas) passport holder in exile Anna Kwok, in connection with her pro-democracy advocacy abroad.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is closely monitoring the prosecution of Kwok Yin-sang, father of Anna Kwok. China's imposition of the National Security Law has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers, a situation that has worsened with the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. We call on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to enter into an association agreement with the EU on (a) UK participation in (i) the European Defence Agency, (ii) the European Defence Fund and (iii) Permanent Structured Cooperation and (b) other defence matters.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As agreed in the Security and Defence Partnership, the EU and UK will regularly exchange on defence initiatives.

Implementation discussions will begin shortly, exploring the possibility of establishing an Administrative Arrangement between the UK and the European Defence Agency, as well as cooperation in individual PESCO projects. Currently participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF) is open only to industry located in European Union Member States and those members of the European Economic Area associated with the EDF (Norway).

Any UK commitment – financial or otherwise – will ensure value for taxpayers and support defence goals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help support (a) UK and (b) allied operations aimed at disrupting cocaine trafficking networks operating (i) through Venezuela and (ii) in the wider Caribbean region.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 February 2025 to Question 26446. A Royal Navy ship maintains a persistent presence in the Caribbean Sea where it contributes to regional security through the conduct of counter-illicit trafficking operations.

Defence maintains close relationships with independent states throughout the region and works in partnership with Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United States to align and conduct joint activity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of UK participation in EU defence industrial programmes on (a) the AUKUS agreement and (b) other existing defence procurement partnerships.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As the Strategic Defence Review recognised, international partnerships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity. The UK remains firmly committed to the AUKUS partnership and is working closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities which AUKUS presents for our three nations. The new Security and Defence Partnership with the EU is complementary to our existing work and the full range of our defence partnerships.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken with relevant authorities to reduce instances of peer-on-peer physical violence in state primary schools.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

All pupils deserve to feel safe and protected in school and the department expects all schools to take immediate and robust action if incidents of violence occur. The ‘Behaviour in schools’ guidance is clear that staff should respond predictably, promptly, and assertively in accordance with their school behaviour policy. In the most serious cases, suspensions and permanent exclusion may be necessary to ensure that pupils are protected and to maintain safe, calm school environments.

The department also supports schools to address incidences of bullying with its guidance, ‘Preventing and tackling bullying’, and has published a research report, ‘Approaches to preventing and tackling bullying’, which includes practical case studies of effective practices to combat bullying.

The department is establishing up to 90 new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, focusing on supporting senior leaders to develop safe, supportive school cultures with high expectations for attendance and behaviour, including using data to identify and address areas of concern. The department has engaged with charities, academics, parents and young people, to understand the issues around bullying. We will use that input to inform ways of testing practice that we can share through hubs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help reduce instances of peer-on-peer physical violence in state secondary schools.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

All pupils deserve to feel safe and protected in school and the department expects all schools to take immediate and robust action if incidents of violence occur. The ‘Behaviour in schools’ guidance is clear that staff should respond predictably, promptly, and assertively in accordance with their school behaviour policy. In the most serious cases, suspensions and permanent exclusion may be necessary to ensure that pupils are protected and to maintain safe, calm school environments.

The department also supports schools to address incidences of bullying with its guidance, ‘Preventing and tackling bullying’, and has published a research report, ‘Approaches to preventing and tackling bullying’, which includes practical case studies of effective practices to combat bullying.

The department is establishing up to 90 new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, focusing on supporting senior leaders to develop safe, supportive school cultures with high expectations for attendance and behaviour, including using data to identify and address areas of concern. The department has engaged with charities, academics, parents and young people, to understand the issues around bullying. We will use that input to inform ways of testing practice that we can share through hubs.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had recent discussions with his Colombian counterpart on the potential impact of the mancozeb ban on (a) bilateral trade and (b) regional stability.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The decision to withdraw the use of mancozeb in Great Britain does not immediately affect imports. The UK Government recognises the importance that bilateral trade between the UK and Colombia plays in boosting growth and ensuring regional stability. The UK is open to discussing the concerns of our trade partners, though DBT Ministers have not met with Colombia on this issue.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken with (a) headteachers, (b) local authorities to reduce (a) mould and (b) damp in educational buildings.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department takes the safety of children and those who work with them incredibly seriously.

The department supports responsible bodies, such as local authorities, academy trusts and voluntary-aided bodies and their schools to meet their responsibilities to keep buildings safe and well-maintained, including addressing mould and damp.

We do this through providing capital funding, rebuilding programmes and extensive guidance on estate management.

We have increased capital funding to improve the condition of school buildings to £2.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, which is almost £300 million more than last year. This is in addition to the continuing School Rebuilding Programme.

The department has also published Good Estate Management for schools, a guide and toolkit to support responsible bodies and their schools to manage their estates strategically, so that pupils can learn in a safe, effective environment.

Responsible bodies should monitor any instances of persistent damp and seek professional advice, as water ingress may be an indicator of a problem with the fabric of the building.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54690 on Tobacco: Excise Duties, whether her Department has undertaken analysis on the reasons for the 10% fall in tobacco duty receipts.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC publishes commentary on tobacco duty receipts with the Tobacco Bulletin - Tobacco statistics commentary April 2025 - GOV.UK. The 10% decrease in tobacco duty receipts between 2023/24 and 2024/25 was primarily driven by falling cigarette and hand rolling tobacco receipts.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also discuss drivers of tobacco duty receipts in relation to the tobacco duty forecast on their webpage - Tobacco duties - Office for Budget Responsibility. Receipts are driven by inflation (CPI and RPI), real household consumption and underlying trends in tobacco consumption. The downward trend in tobacco consumption has accelerated in recent years, partly reflecting changing attitudes and the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will make provision to ensure that the current availability of visitation by UK Chagossians to their ancestral islands will continue after any transfer of sovereignty.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the reply to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria were used to determine the re-imposition of visit visa requirements for Colombia; and what determination he made using those criteria for other Latin American countries.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

Full details were provided in the explanatory memorandum accompanying the changes to the Immigration Rules: Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules Presented to Parliament on 26 November 2024.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland on recent events in Ballymena.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland discussed this with the Tánaiste on 12 June.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of Anguilla's ambulance fleet since the provision of UK Government funding in February 2025.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Earlier this year, the UK expanded Anguilla's ambulance fleet by providing two FCDO-funded ambulances from West Midlands Ambulance Service. These are now operational and have improved Anguilla's emergency response capacity. The West Midlands Ambulance Service will also assist with further training for Anguillan paramedics. This uplift was part of wider UK support for Anguilla's emergency services, including a new search-and-rescue vessel, and support to Anguilla's new Joint Emergency Services Control Room.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Chagossians resident in the UK and (b) all other Chagossians have (i) rights of abode, (ii) resettlement, (iii) return and (iv) other rights derived from the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 for the outer islands.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon member to the reply to his previous PQ 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the proposed EU security and defence partnership, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed third-state rules on UK foreign policy autonomy in (a) Gibraltar, (b) the Falkland Islands and (c) other overseas territories.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is sovereign over its Overseas Territories (OTs) and is responsible for their external affairs, defence, and security. The UK is proud of the significant role the OTs play to support the UK's, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization's, global security and defence objectives. The Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) will in no way impact that significant role, nor will it affect the security and defence relationship between the UK and our Overseas Territories. Furthermore, the SDP does not impact existing or future cooperation between European Union partners and UK Overseas Territories across the globe. The SDP is clear that UK Overseas Territories can be included in future arrangements or agreements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what changes he plans to make to the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 following the Treaty with Mauritius.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Following entry into force of the Treaty, Mauritius will be sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago and the British Indian Ocean Territory will no longer exist. The Government will bring forward a Bill as soon as parliamentary time allows, which will make provision inter alia for the ongoing governance of Diego Garcia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will conduct a consultation with Chagossians on the (a) restoration of the right of (i) abode and (ii) resettlement, (b) loss of (A) visitation permissions and (B) practical assistance by the UK and (c) fishing and natural resources.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure the agreement reflects this. We will increase our support to Chagossians, including through: the establishment of a £40 million trust fund to benefit Chagossians; the ability Mauritius will have, for the first time, to resettle the islands other than Diego Garcia (in contrast to the 2016 Conservative Government that decided that a programme of resettlement on the Archipelago would not be taken forward by the UK); and work with Mauritius to start a new programme of visits for Chagossians to the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. We have also maintained the current route to British citizenship for Chagossians, so all Chagossians will remain eligible and free to make their home in the UK. The UK Government regularly engages with Chagossians at both official and Ministerial levels and a new 'Contact Group' will facilitate dialogue between the Chagossian community and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on future programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make provision for legally binding agreement protections for Chagossian (a) cultural and (b) historical locations following implementation of the agreement with Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to provide rights of (a) abode, (b) resettlement and (c) return to Chagossians in the context of the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Chagossian people will be assured of their right of abode within the British Indian Ocean Territory before transfer of sovereignty.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 June 2025 to Question 54687 on St Helena: Bank Services and Financial Services, which of the areas set out will help support Saint Helena to provide (a) financial and (b) banking services to non-residents; and whether it is his policy to encourage the provision of such services, in the context of the steps taken by the Saint Helena government to become economically self-sufficient.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to support the St Helena Government to help strengthen its financial and banking sectors. This includes assistance to modernise financial infrastructure, enhance regulatory frameworks, and ensure compliance with international standards.

The provision of banking and financial services to non-residents is a matter for the St Helena Government. UK Government support has been designed to help St Helena ensure any expansion of services is carefully managed to mitigate reputational and financial crime risks. The FCDO remains engaged with the St Helena Government and the St Helena Financial Services Regulatory Authority to explore opportunities that support the goal of greater economic self-sufficiency, including through the responsible development of its financial services sector.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Commonwealth’s role in advancing the UK’s Global Britain strategy post-Brexit.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Commonwealth will continue to be an ever-important network for the UK, particularly in these challenging geopolitical times. The UK will work with Commonwealth members to boost economic growth, tackle the climate and nature crisis and create opportunities for future generations. The Commonwealth presents a particularly significant opportunity for future UK economic growth, as it is home to some of our biggest trading partners, such as India, Canada and South Africa, as well as six of the world's ten fastest-growing economies.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to implement the recommendations of the report by the Eminent Persons Group entitled A Commonwealth of the People – Time for Urgent Reform, published in October 2011.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The 2011 Eminent Persons' report made a valuable contribution to the debate on Commonwealth reform. A number of recommendations were adopted, including the establishment of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013 and reaffirmed by His Majesty the King on 13 March 2023. The role of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group was also strengthened as a consequence of the Eminent Persons' report recommendations. Further reforms were adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali in 2022. The UK remains a strong proponent of Commonwealth reform and fully supports the reform agenda of the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether the UK will have a veto over new EU laws that apply under dynamic alignment provisions.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The details of new agreements described in the Common Understanding are subject to negotiation. The Common Understanding is clear that where the UK Government decides to align with EU rules as part of an agreement this will give due regard to the UK’s constitutional and Parliamentary procedures. The UK will be involved, as a sovereign nation outside of the European Union, at an early stage and contribute to the decision-shaping process of European Union legal acts.

The Common Understanding does not provide for oversight of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) within Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Instead it provides that the CJEU will have a limited role in assisting an independent arbitration tribunal responsible for deciding a dispute between the UK and the EU, and only where there is dynamic alignment of laws under any future SPS agreement, ETS linking agreement or an electricity agreement. The CJEU does not rule on the substantive outcome of the dispute - that is a matter for the independent arbitration panel.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has to review the current proscription of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under the Terrorism Act 2000; and what criteria will be used to determine whether (a) HTS and (b) HTS's affiliates continue to pose a threat to national security.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

As a matter of long-standing policy, the Government does not comment on proscription matters in respect of individual organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 50828 on Saint Helena: Politics and Government, how many constitutions of the Overseas Territories other than Saint Helena contain a provision that gives their governor special responsibility for finance; and for what reason a provision giving the governor of St Helena special responsibility for finance has been retained in its constitution.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The special responsibilities of Governors varies between each Overseas Territory constitution, including, where relevant, in relation to finance-related responsibilities. Some constitutions, particularly on islands with small populations, confer powers on Governors in respect of finance, including in St Helena.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help protect Hong Kong democracy activists in the UK who have bounties placed on them by the Hong Kong government.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

While it is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on security matters, where we identify individuals at heightened risk, we are front footed in deploying protective security measures as appropriate.

The Government has developed new guidance which can be found on GOV.UK providing those who believe themselves to be at-risk of transnational repression with practical advice for their safety both physically and online.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the financial contribution the UK will make to the EU following the UK-EU Summit (a) on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement (b) on the Emissions Trading System (ETS), (c) on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), (d) on Erasmus and (e) in total.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Implementation costs will be confirmed in due course when we have negotiated the details of these arrangements. This will include proportionate contributions in specific and limited areas, such as where access to specific IT systems will help to remove trade barriers for UK firms or help us to manage biosecurity risks. The UK will also negotiate fair financial contributions to the Erasmus+ programme which will reflect the benefits of participation. We will not be making general contributions to the EU budget.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has provided funding for research into the (a) development and (b) trial of multi-site fungicide alternatives to mancozeb that are viable for tropical fruit exporters in Latin America.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra has not provided funding for research into the development and trial of multi-site fungicide alternatives to mancozeb that are viable for tropical fruit exporters in Latin America.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of banning mancozeb by the end of 2025 on the (a) socio-economy and (b) security of the UK's trading partners.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Pesticide Active substance approvals are only granted following careful scientific assessment of risks to people, animals and the environment. We do not consider economic benefits of use. Mancozeb no longer meets GB approval criteria as regards to endocrine disrupting properties, non-dietary risks to human health and exposure risk to operators.

Food treated with mancozeb can continue to be placed on the GB market provided it meets our Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the status of Jesús Armas.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK strongly condemns the ongoing repression against civil society and members of the opposition in Venezuela. We remain gravely concerned about reports of human rights abuses and violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions. Over 900 Venezuelans remain arbitrarily detained, including Jesús Armas whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met the Chief Executive of Hong Kong since taking office.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary has not met the Chief Executive of Hong Kong since taking office. Any proposed visits will be made public as and when relevant.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his counterpart in (a) Hong Kong and (b) China on the wellbeing of wanted people of Hong Kong origin residing in the UK.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary spoke to his counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in April and raised the impact of transnational repression on Hong Kongers residing in the UK. The Foreign Secretary personally met those recently targeted by the Hong Kong police with arrest warrants and bounties in January.

The UK is clear that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas, are unacceptable. This Government is deeply committed to supporting all members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activists since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary met Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, recently targeted by the Hong Kong police with arrest warrants and bounties, in January.

10th anniversary of the Museum of Orange Heritage at Sloan’s House

Press ownership by foreign states

Gurkha pensions

Local authority funding

9th anniversary of the EU referendum

Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

NI Equality Commission and Supreme Court ruling

75th anniversary of the Corcreeney Branch, Baker Club, Apprentice Boys of Derry

Proposals to resettle people from Palestine in the United Kingdom

Biology and pregnancy

Myeloma Awareness Week 2025

Hong Kong nationals in the UK

Chinese Embassy

Air India crash

King Richard III Visitor Centre

School shooting in Graz

World darts victory

One hundredth anniversary of the Royal Research Ship Discovery

Animals

Northern Ireland success in World Cup of Darts final

Mandatory data collection of child sexual offenders

Christian persecution in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Christian persecution in Borno State, Nigeria

75th anniversary of the Korean War

100th anniversary of Garvagh Pipe Band

Found: Further Education: Finance 6 November 2024 | UIN 11570 Asked by: Andrew Rosindell To ask the Secretary

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Found: Not selected_NC3 Sir Edward Leigh Andrew Rosindell .

Found: REPORT STAGE Friday 20 June 2025 2 _NC17 Rebecca Paul Rachael Maskell Dr Ben Spencer Andrew Rosindell

Found: Baldwin Jack Rankin Mr Richard Holden Lewis Cocking Sir Gavin Williamson David Reed Andrew Rosindell

Found: Harriett Baldwin Jack Rankin Mr Richard Holden Lewis Cocking Sir Gavin Williamson David Reed Andrew Rosindell

Found: Antoniazzi Anneliese Dodds Darren Paffey Freddie van Mierlo Rebecca Paul Mr Louie French Andrew Rosindell

Found: Antoniazzi Anneliese Dodds Darren Paffey Freddie van Mierlo Rebecca Paul Mr Louie French Andrew Rosindell