Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what legal advice the Government has received on the compatibility of the proposed UK-Mauritius agreement with the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes concerning the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the debate on 26 January 2026 in which the former Minister for the Overseas Territories told the House that the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes would need to be updated before the UK-Mauritius Agreement could be ratified.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the existing evidence base on gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As set out in the Land Use Framework and the Animal Welfare Strategy for England, this Government committed to strengthening the evidence base on gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England.

Defra’s Gamebird rapid evidence review was published in 2020 and is available here. Further research into these findings was published in 2025 and available here. A Call for Evidence, launched on 4 September will gather any further information and evidence on the potential environmental impacts of gamebird release, including native biodiversity and to improve our understanding of both the positive and negative impacts associated with these activities.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of releasing reared gamebirds on native biodiversity.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As set out in the Land Use Framework and the Animal Welfare Strategy for England, this Government committed to strengthening the evidence base on gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England.

Defra’s Gamebird rapid evidence review was published in 2020 and is available here. Further research into these findings was published in 2025 and available here. A Call for Evidence, launched on 4 September will gather any further information and evidence on the potential environmental impacts of gamebird release, including native biodiversity and to improve our understanding of both the positive and negative impacts associated with these activities.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish all consultation responses relating to Lancashire local government reorganisation, subject to data protection requirements.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what alternative options for local government structures in Lancashire were considered before reaching the decision to merge Fylde Borough Council and Wyre Borough Council with Blackpool Council.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of redundancy costs arising from local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many responses relating to Lancashire were received during consultation on local government reorganisation.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the evidential was for reorganising local government in Lancashire into four unitary authorities.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed reorganisation on democratic accountability in Lancashire.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much funding her Department will provide towards the implementation costs of local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the cost of implementing local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Secretary of State’s oral statement of 7 September 2026. The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

The Government has published a summary of consultation analysis on GOV.UK.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make an estimate of the number of hours spent (a) responding to and (b) preparing for Westminster Hall Debates by (i) government ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisers in his Department for each parliamentary session for which the information is available.

Answered by Sarah Owen - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

It is not possible to provide an estimate for hours spent preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates. There will be differences in the Civil Service, Special Adviser and Ministerial time depending on the policy matter and length of the debate. Debates can also be cross-cutting and require resources from multiple departments or engage departmental bodies.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reducing youth unemployment on UK productivity and economic growth.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Getting young people into work is vital for driving growth in every postcode. Higher youth participation helps expand the workforce, reduce the risk of long-term detachment from the labour market and unlock economic potential across the country.

The Government acknowledges that there are significant challenges facing young people in the world of work. These challenges have been building for some time, with the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) rising by over 100,000 in the last five years of the previous Government. We have also seen a growing challenge from ill health.

That is why the Government is investing £2.5 billion over the next three years in the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy, supporting almost one million young people and creating up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. Alongside this, Alan Milburn's independent review is examining the drivers of rising youth inactivity and identifying potential areas for reform. The Government will consider the review's recommendations carefully when it is published in the autumn.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reimbursing community pharmacies for business rates through NHS funding, in line with arrangements applying to GP and dental practices.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

In relation to Question 27602, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June to Question 5831, and relation to Question 27603 I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 June to Question 6747.

No comparative assessment has been made of the number of community pharmacies between Fylde and other areas. Latest data shows there were 22 community pharmacies in Fylde as of March 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the financial sustainability of community pharmacies under the 2026-27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

In relation to Question 27602, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June to Question 5831, and relation to Question 27603 I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 June to Question 6747.

No comparative assessment has been made of the number of community pharmacies between Fylde and other areas. Latest data shows there were 22 community pharmacies in Fylde as of March 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment her Department has made of the number of community pharmacies in Fylde constituency, with other areas across England and Wales.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

In relation to Question 27602, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June to Question 5831, and relation to Question 27603 I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 June to Question 6747.

No comparative assessment has been made of the number of community pharmacies between Fylde and other areas. Latest data shows there were 22 community pharmacies in Fylde as of March 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's recruitment and retention targets are for each of the three Services for 2026/27.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The 2026-27 Single Service recruitment targets for Regular and Reserve (Officer and Other ranks) are detailed below:

The Naval Service (inclusive of the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary) total Recruitment Targets for all streams for Recruiting Year 2026-27, ending 31 March 2027 is 4,630 (rounded).

The total Army Recruitment Targets for Recruiting Year 2026-27, for all streams is 14,410 (rounded).

The total Royal Air Force Recruitment Targets for all streams for Recruiting Year 2026-27 is 4,730 (rounded).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government continues to use £3.4 billion as its headline estimate of the cost of the Chagos agreement.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The value of payments under the UK-Mauritius Agreement were set out by the UK government at the time of signature and have not changed. No payments are due under the terms of the UK-Mauritius Agreement until it has been ratified. Full details of the proposed payments have already been published in the Explanatory Memorandum accompanying the Treaty.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what digital devices are issued to Ministers as part of their roles; and who is responsible for keeping an inventory of devices.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

As part of their roles, Ministers in the Cabinet Office are issued standard Official Windows or MacBook Laptops and a standard iPhone or Android Official device. In some circumstances a tablet device may also be requested. These devices are managed by the internal Cabinet Office Digital teams, who are also responsible for maintaining the assets & inventory of all end user issued devices.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which local authorities and combined authorities will receive additional powers and resources under the measures announced in his written statement of 7 September 2026.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local and combined authorities are central to the Government’s ambitions for economic growth, public service reform and stronger communities.

As we set out in the Government’s Rewiring the State Cabinet Statement (here), we are committed to shifting power and resources from central government to local leaders and communities across the whole country, including through ensuring that powers, functions and resources are exercised at the level most appropriate to achieving better outcomes for people and places.

The Government is committed to increasing the proportion of business rates retained by local government.

We will set out further detail on our approach to devolution and the distribution of responsibilities and resources across different levels of government in a forthcoming White Paper.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department will publish the number of participants who (a) commence, (b) complete and (c) subsequently obtain paid employment following an Opening Shift placement.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has announced an ambition to create 100,000 new jobs in the retail sector for young people by 2029, supporting more young people to take their first step into work. This is a significant commitment from one of the UK's largest employment sectors and an important contribution towards the Government's ambition that every young person has the opportunity to build the skills, experience and connections needed to move into work.

As part of this ambition, BRC is launching 'Opening Shift' a new joint DWP and BRC work experience programme for 18–24 year old jobseekers. ‘Opening Shift’ will provide retail work experience, workplace support and interview experience, helping young people to build skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.

The commitment complements the Government's Youth Guarantee, which is backed by £2.5 billion of additional investment and will ensure young people can access the support, training, work experience and opportunities they need to move into employment, education or training. ‘Opening Shift’ will play an important role in helping deliver the Youth Guarantee's commitment to provide 150,000 work experience opportunities by 2029.

BRC represents a wide range of retail employers across the UK, and young people across the country will benefit from opportunities created through this partnership. The opportunities available in individual areas will depend on participating employers' business needs and local presence.

Work Experience is available to all claimants throughout their claim. Young jobseekers will be offered a work experience placement as part of their Youth Guarantee Journey which may include referrals to Opening Shift opportunities, where these are available and appropriate for the individual.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many of the 100,000 jobs for young people by the end of the Parliament are expected to be (a) new jobs, (b) existing vacancies, (c) temporary jobs and (d) permanent jobs.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has announced an ambition to create 100,000 new jobs in the retail sector for young people by 2029, supporting more young people to take their first step into work. This is a significant commitment from one of the UK's largest employment sectors and an important contribution towards the Government's ambition that every young person has the opportunity to build the skills, experience and connections needed to move into work.

As part of this ambition, BRC is launching 'Opening Shift' a new joint DWP and BRC work experience programme for 18–24 year old jobseekers. ‘Opening Shift’ will provide retail work experience, workplace support and interview experience, helping young people to build skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.

The commitment complements the Government's Youth Guarantee, which is backed by £2.5 billion of additional investment and will ensure young people can access the support, training, work experience and opportunities they need to move into employment, education or training. ‘Opening Shift’ will play an important role in helping deliver the Youth Guarantee's commitment to provide 150,000 work experience opportunities by 2029.

BRC represents a wide range of retail employers across the UK, and young people across the country will benefit from opportunities created through this partnership. The opportunities available in individual areas will depend on participating employers' business needs and local presence.

Work Experience is available to all claimants throughout their claim. Young jobseekers will be offered a work experience placement as part of their Youth Guarantee Journey which may include referrals to Opening Shift opportunities, where these are available and appropriate for the individual.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many young people on Universal Credit in Fylde constituency will be eligible for referral to Opening Shift.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has announced an ambition to create 100,000 new jobs in the retail sector for young people by 2029, supporting more young people to take their first step into work. This is a significant commitment from one of the UK's largest employment sectors and an important contribution towards the Government's ambition that every young person has the opportunity to build the skills, experience and connections needed to move into work.

As part of this ambition, BRC is launching 'Opening Shift' a new joint DWP and BRC work experience programme for 18–24 year old jobseekers. ‘Opening Shift’ will provide retail work experience, workplace support and interview experience, helping young people to build skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.

The commitment complements the Government's Youth Guarantee, which is backed by £2.5 billion of additional investment and will ensure young people can access the support, training, work experience and opportunities they need to move into employment, education or training. ‘Opening Shift’ will play an important role in helping deliver the Youth Guarantee's commitment to provide 150,000 work experience opportunities by 2029.

BRC represents a wide range of retail employers across the UK, and young people across the country will benefit from opportunities created through this partnership. The opportunities available in individual areas will depend on participating employers' business needs and local presence.

Work Experience is available to all claimants throughout their claim. Young jobseekers will be offered a work experience placement as part of their Youth Guarantee Journey which may include referrals to Opening Shift opportunities, where these are available and appropriate for the individual.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will publish a breakdown of Opening Shift placements by retailer, region and constituency.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has announced an ambition to create 100,000 new jobs in the retail sector for young people by 2029, supporting more young people to take their first step into work. This is a significant commitment from one of the UK's largest employment sectors and an important contribution towards the Government's ambition that every young person has the opportunity to build the skills, experience and connections needed to move into work.

As part of this ambition, BRC is launching 'Opening Shift' a new joint DWP and BRC work experience programme for 18–24 year old jobseekers. ‘Opening Shift’ will provide retail work experience, workplace support and interview experience, helping young people to build skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.

The commitment complements the Government's Youth Guarantee, which is backed by £2.5 billion of additional investment and will ensure young people can access the support, training, work experience and opportunities they need to move into employment, education or training. ‘Opening Shift’ will play an important role in helping deliver the Youth Guarantee's commitment to provide 150,000 work experience opportunities by 2029.

BRC represents a wide range of retail employers across the UK, and young people across the country will benefit from opportunities created through this partnership. The opportunities available in individual areas will depend on participating employers' business needs and local presence.

Work Experience is available to all claimants throughout their claim. Young jobseekers will be offered a work experience placement as part of their Youth Guarantee Journey which may include referrals to Opening Shift opportunities, where these are available and appropriate for the individual.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an estimate of the number of hours spent (a) responding to and (b) preparing for Westminster Hall Debates by (i) government ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisers in her Department for each parliamentary session for which the information is available.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 16 July 2026 to Question 17477.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to written statement HCWS171 published on 1 July 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of requiring schools to absorb approximately 1% of pay costs on school budgets.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department is providing schools with £700 million in additional funding in the2026/27 financial year and £1,115 million in 2027/28 to support them with overall costs, including the costs of teacher and support staff pay awards. This means the core schools budget will increase by £2.3 billion in 2026/27, totalling £67.6 billion, compared to £65.3 billion in 2025/26.

We set out in the government's evidence to the School Teachers' Review Body last autumn that All schools are expected to continue to secure better value from existing budgets, alongside the additional funding provided by government, to help support pay awards.

We recognise that for many schools the teachers’ pay award will mean reprioritising some of their budget to go towards new pay costs. This is in line with asks to the rest of the public sector to drive better value from existing budgets to help rebuild public services.

Schools are accustomed to managing their resources responsibly, and they are not alone in their efforts to do this. We established the ‘Maximising value for pupils’ programme in December 2025, using the collective buying power of 22,000 schools to help every school get more from every pound, so that money reaches the classroom where it matters most. From reducing energy and supply staff costs, to helping schools unlock better returns through our banking comparison tool, to giving leaders sharper benchmarking tools, we are addressing real opportunities across the system.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the fitness for purpose of the National Air Traffic Services.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government recognises the impact of the significant disruption to passengers and aviation operations caused by the technical issue affecting NATS' flight processing systems on 8 September 2026. The Government is also grateful to employees at NATS who acted quickly to manage traffic safely while the issue was investigated and resolved.

Air traffic control services are a vital part of the UK's national infrastructure, underpinning the safe and efficient movement of millions of passengers and supporting businesses, trade and connectivity across the country and internationally.

Serious air traffic control incidents of this scale are rare, but when they do occur have significant impacts for passengers. It is therefore essential that the causes of this disruption are understood by the Department and NATS so that any lessons are identified and changes implemented swiftly.

The Secretary of State has asked NATS to provide a report by Wednesday 16 September setting out the cause of the incident and the actions taken in response and has also asked the CAA to undertake a separate independent review of the incident, which will report within six months.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how long she expects the review of local government reorganisation to take.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government will consider the programme overall including the four withdrawn decisions from March, the further decisions taken in July, and the two areas where decisions have yet to be made. Surrey is not affected by this announcement as councillors have been elected to the new councils which will go live in April 2027.

We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the risk of wildfires in the North West.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra funding schemes are supporting landscape-scale action to help land managers adapt to increasing wildfire risk. This includes practical measures to reduce fire spread and severity, improve access and preparedness for firefighting, and strengthen resilience while also supporting nature and climate objectives.

The Government remains committed to rewetting peatlands and wetlands as one of the best ways to protect some of our most valuable landscapes from fire. Changing the way agricultural land is used and managed is an important part of wildfire resilience and can also deliver wider benefits for biodiversity, carbon storage and water regulation. The Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme provides funding to restore peatlands. A number of projects have been funded in the North West, these include projects with the Yorkshire Peat Partnership in Cumbria and the National Trust in Lancashire.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how the Approved Code for the home improvement sector will interact with the Competition and Markets Authority's principles for trader recommendation platforms.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) will deliver an Approved Code that traders can sign up to. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) will provide oversight of the Approved Code. The Approved Code will have built-in Alternative Dispute Resolution for consumer redress.

Trusted Payments was developed in collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO), who have business links to FHIO, to provide a service that traders and consumers can use to ensure money is held safely in escrow while work is completed.

Government supported the launch as it improves consumer choice and protection in a key sector where detriment levels are consistently high. The Government will monitor the success of the scheme, including take-up and the number of disputes resolved.

The FHIO worked with industry during development, and the announcement was welcomed by a range of bodies, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Citizens Advice and Which?.

Trader recommendation platforms are not directly affected, but the Government expects them to play their part in keeping rogue builders out of the market.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, which organisations his Department consulted before announcing the Approved Code for the home improvement sector.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) will deliver an Approved Code that traders can sign up to. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) will provide oversight of the Approved Code. The Approved Code will have built-in Alternative Dispute Resolution for consumer redress.

Trusted Payments was developed in collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO), who have business links to FHIO, to provide a service that traders and consumers can use to ensure money is held safely in escrow while work is completed.

Government supported the launch as it improves consumer choice and protection in a key sector where detriment levels are consistently high. The Government will monitor the success of the scheme, including take-up and the number of disputes resolved.

The FHIO worked with industry during development, and the announcement was welcomed by a range of bodies, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Citizens Advice and Which?.

Trader recommendation platforms are not directly affected, but the Government expects them to play their part in keeping rogue builders out of the market.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what metrics his Department will use to evaluate the success of the Approved Code.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) will deliver an Approved Code that traders can sign up to. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) will provide oversight of the Approved Code. The Approved Code will have built-in Alternative Dispute Resolution for consumer redress.

Trusted Payments was developed in collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO), who have business links to FHIO, to provide a service that traders and consumers can use to ensure money is held safely in escrow while work is completed.

Government supported the launch as it improves consumer choice and protection in a key sector where detriment levels are consistently high. The Government will monitor the success of the scheme, including take-up and the number of disputes resolved.

The FHIO worked with industry during development, and the announcement was welcomed by a range of bodies, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Citizens Advice and Which?.

Trader recommendation platforms are not directly affected, but the Government expects them to play their part in keeping rogue builders out of the market.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if he will outline the process for selecting the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman and Trusted Payments as delivery partners for the Approved Code and Trusted Payments schemes announced on 28 August 2026.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) will deliver an Approved Code that traders can sign up to. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) will provide oversight of the Approved Code. The Approved Code will have built-in Alternative Dispute Resolution for consumer redress.

Trusted Payments was developed in collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO), who have business links to FHIO, to provide a service that traders and consumers can use to ensure money is held safely in escrow while work is completed.

Government supported the launch as it improves consumer choice and protection in a key sector where detriment levels are consistently high. The Government will monitor the success of the scheme, including take-up and the number of disputes resolved.

The FHIO worked with industry during development, and the announcement was welcomed by a range of bodies, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Citizens Advice and Which?.

Trader recommendation platforms are not directly affected, but the Government expects them to play their part in keeping rogue builders out of the market.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make it her policy to make it illegal to vape in pubs and hospitality venues.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Members to the Government's consultations, and accompanying consultation stage impact assessments, on smoke-free, heated tobacco-free, and vape-free places, and on the packaging, device appearance, and display of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. The Government will carefully consider the responses before taking decisions on future regulations.

I refer the Hon. Members to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill House of Lords debate on 24 February 2026 in relation to filters. Evidence is still developing and there are no current plans to consult on plain packaging and promotions restrictions. No assessment has been taken on filters being used to circumvent the current flavours ban.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of whether there is sufficient laboratory capacity in the UK to monitor compliance with mandatory folic acid fortification.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The issues raised by the Hon. Member for Surrey Heath have been dealt with in answers to previous written questions. Most recently, I refer him to the answers provided on 10 July in response to Question 15320 and on 15 July in response to Question 16699.

The mandatory addition of nutrients to flour is not a new concept, as non-wholemeal wheat flour is already required to be fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamin. Responsibility for enforcing the updated Bread and Flour Regulations remains with local authorities. UK-wide guidance for food businesses and enforcement authorities on compliance with the current requirements, including the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, was published in April 2025, and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bread-and-flour-labelling-and-composition

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance has been issued to local authorities on enforcing mandatory folic acid fortification requirements.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The issues raised by the Hon. Member for Surrey Heath have been dealt with in answers to previous written questions. Most recently, I refer him to the answers provided on 10 July in response to Question 15320 and on 15 July in response to Question 16699.

The mandatory addition of nutrients to flour is not a new concept, as non-wholemeal wheat flour is already required to be fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamin. Responsibility for enforcing the updated Bread and Flour Regulations remains with local authorities. UK-wide guidance for food businesses and enforcement authorities on compliance with the current requirements, including the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, was published in April 2025, and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bread-and-flour-labelling-and-composition

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people currently remain in custody serving an Imprisonment for Public Protection sentence.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Ministry of Justice routinely publishes data on prisoners serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences in custody in the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly publication.

The latest figures are available in Table 1.Q.14 at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a69e0c216bc92f51e1a430f/prison-population-30-June-2026.ods

Those figures state that as of 30 June 2026, there were 2,271 prisoners serving an IPP sentence in custody.

On 1 September, the Lord Chancellor announced that the Government will bring an end to the sentence for those who continue to serve it and will bring forward legislation to do this by the end of this Parliament. These are complex cases, involving important public protection and victim considerations. Reform will take time to get right.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Cost of Living Taskforce will publish its first recommendations.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The taskforce will look to address the long term issues facing families, many of which have too often fallen through the cracks. Based in the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the taskforce will be fully integrated with No10 and across government to deliver the change the public rightly expect to see.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what criteria will be used to identify communities requiring the greatest support through the Community Renewal Taskforce.

Answered by Sally Jameson - Parliamentary Secretary and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Following the government’s commitment to deliver good growth in every part of the United Kingdom, the Place Regeneration Taskforce will deliver community renewal by working with local government to improve everyday experience and serving communities with locally-driven solutions.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Government's plans to deliver 14,000 additional prison places by 2031.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

As set out in the December 2024 10-Year Capacity Strategy, we remain committed to delivering 14,000 prison places and aim to do so by 2031. We have already delivered around 3,300 places since July 2024.

The prison supply programmes contributing to the commitment are subject to established government assurance and oversight arrangements, including scrutiny through the Government Major Projects Portfolio by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority. This supports regular assessment of delivery confidence, risks and mitigations.

We continue to take action to remove barriers to delivery and safeguard capacity. We are now going even further: on 1 September 2026, the Government announced £110 million to accelerate delivery of prison places, alongside investment to acquire new land for future prisons and convert suitable existing space within prisons into additional cells.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many foreign national offenders are currently eligible for removal under the Early Removal Scheme.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

Eligible Foreign National Offenders are capable of being removed under the Early Removal Scheme (ERS) once they have served at least 30% of the custodial period of their sentence and are within four years of their earliest release point.

Early next year we will implement the Sentencing Act power to allow the removal of determinate sentence FNOs immediately after sentence. This will not include those in prison for the most serious crimes such as life sentences, rape, or unlawful killing who will still be required to serve time in prison before they are deported.

As of 30 June 2026, there were c.4,800 Foreign National Offenders (FNO) in custody sentenced to standard determinate or extended determinate sentences who could become eligible for removal under ERS during their sentence.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what role elected local councils will have in determining the priorities of the Community Renewal Taskforce.

Answered by Sally Jameson - Parliamentary Secretary and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Delivering on the government’s commitment to delivering good growth in every part of the United Kingdom, the Place Regeneration Taskforce will support community renewal by working directly with local leaders, including local councils, through continuous engagement to improve people’s everyday experience of where they live.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the annual cost to the NHS of preventable foodborne illness.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Analysis by the Food Standards Agency estimates that foodborne disease causes approximately 2.4 million illnesses and 16,300 hospitalisations in the United Kingdom each year. The resulting annual cost to the National Health Service is estimated at £79.2 million, at 2025 prices.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to support Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to address the staffing breaches identified by the Care Quality Commission.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Following an inspection of urgent and emergency services at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in November 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) shared its findings with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The trust knows where improvements must be made, and where there is good practice to build on.

CQC has upgraded the ratings for ‘safe’ from inadequate to requires improvement. Trust leaders are aware they need to make sure there are enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to always keep people safe and have submitted an action plan in August which is currently being reviewed by CQC.

CQC will be monitoring the trust’s progress against the action plan at regular engagement meetings.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate he has made of the capital investment required to place British Steel Limited on a commercially sustainable footing.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has put in place a new Board of Directors who will be tasked with developing a plan to transform British Steel into a commercially and environmentally sustainable steelmaking enterprise. Ministers will consider these proposals in due course, including possible partnerships with the private sector. Delivering the best outcomes for taxpayers will remain a key priority for the Government.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the publication entitled Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK: a guide for asylum seekers, in reducing offending and improving understanding of UK law among people seeking asylum.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

We expect everyone who comes to the UK to abide by our laws. If they do not, they will face consequences, including the refusal of their asylum claim and removal from the UK. These resources were produced for asylum seekers so there can be no possible misunderstanding of what we expect. They are setting out something most people in this country would regard as common sense, but we would rather be completely clear about our expectations than leave any room for ambiguity. The products have not been developed on the basis that asylum seekers are more likely to commit sexual or criminal offences than the general public.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what specific measures the Community Renewal Taskforce will take to reduce high street vacancy rates.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises that boosting demand is key to reducing high street vacancy rates. Through the new National Planning Policy Framework, we have placed a stronger emphasis on mixed-use development, including residential development in town centres.

We are also creating the conditions for businesses to occupy vacant units, including by reforming business rates and banning upwards-only rent reviews. We have also introduced High Street Rental Auctions giving local authorities powers to take over the lease of long-term vacant units and bring them back into use.

Later this year, the Government will publish its new High Streets Strategy, setting out further measures to support thriving, resilient high streets and town centres.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the £442 million Rough Sleeping Programme funding to ensure that everyone sleeping rough is offered a route off the streets before Christmas 2026.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On his first day in office the Prime Minister launched an urgent national drive to end rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity. We are providing £442 million new funding to local areas through a new Rough Sleeping Programme to ensure that everyone who needs it is offered a route off the streets before Christmas this year, while providing longer-term accommodation and support for people with the most complex and long-term experiences of rough sleeping.

This takes total investment in homelessness and rough sleeping services over the next three years to more than £4 billion.

The Programme has been designed to respond to the different pressures facing different parts of the country. Funding has been targeted towards areas with the greatest rough sleeping pressures, while giving Mayoral Strategic Authorities and local authorities flexibility to shape services around local needs and priorities. MHCLG will work closely with local areas and partners to support mobilisation and delivery.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to the Inheritance Tax treatment of pension savings on household saving and investment before announcing the policy.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Most unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension will form part of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027. This removes distortions resulting from changes that have been made to pensions tax policy over the last decade, which have led to pensions being openly used and marketed as a tax planning vehicle to transfer wealth, rather than as a way to fund retirement. These reforms also remove inconsistencies in the inheritance tax treatment of different types of pensions.

Estates will continue to benefit from the normal nil-rate bands, reliefs, and exemptions available. For example, the nil-rate bands mean an estate can pass on up to £1 million with no inheritance tax liability and the general rules mean any transfers, including the payment of death benefits, to a spouse or civil partner are fully exempt from inheritance tax. More than 90 per cent of UK estates will continue to have no inheritance tax liability in 2030-31 following these changes and the reforms will only affect a minority of those with inheritable pension wealth.

The Government will continue to incentivise pension savings for their intended purpose of funding retirement, with ongoing tax reliefs on both contributions into pensions and on the growth of funds held within a pension scheme. Pensions continue to benefit from very significant tax benefits, with gross income tax and National Insurance contributions relief costing £83.9 billion in 2024-25.

The Government recognises the importance of promoting confidence in pension saving and is committed to ensuring future generations of pensioners have security in retirement. An independent Pensions Commission has been established to guide the long-term future of our pensions system including through the lens of adequacy, fairness, and sustainability.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of the number of hours spent (a) responding to and (b) preparing for Westminster Hall Debates by (i) government ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisers in her Department for each parliamentary session for which the information is available.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

It is not possible to provide an estimate for hours spent preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates. There will be differences in the Civil Service, Special Adviser and Ministerial time depending on the policy matter and length of the debate. Debates can also be cross-cutting and require resources from multiple departments or engage departmental bodies.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Skilled Worker visa holders have been identified as victims of modern slavery in each of the last five years.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

We do not publish data on the number of individuals across individual Immigration routes who have been recognised as victims of modern slavery.

An established process exists whereby UKVI are notified of such individuals and promptly review and respond to all concerns identified which includes investigating the Sponsor Licence Holder and applying the maximum sanctions available to us in these cases. Our current safeguarding and harm reduction processes often result in compliance action being resolved against the Sponsor Licence Holder prior to conclusive grounds decisions being made.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many visa sponsor licences have been revoked from sponsors in Fylde constituency in each year since 2019.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The information requested is not available from published information.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Erasmus+ participants she expects to enter the UK under the new immigration arrangements in each of the next five years.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Erasmus+ programme is a reciprocal study and work exchange programme allowing participants to undertake placements in associated countries for a temporary period of up to 12 months. Participants coming to the UK will use existing immigration routes, including the Visitor, Student and Government Authorised Exchange routes.

Based on historic patterns, the Department for Education expect there to be more inbound than outbound Erasmus+ mobilities, given the UK is a popular destination for work and study.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many of the 14,000 additional prison places the Government plans to deliver by 2031 have (a) been completed, (b) are under construction, (c) received planning permission and (d) yet to enter the planning process.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

We are committed to delivering 14,000 additional prison places and aim to do so by 2031. Of these, around 3,300 places have been delivered since July 2024, and around a further 5,700 are under construction. The remaining places required to meet the commitment have secured planning permission where it is required. The new prison next to the existing HMP Garth was granted outline planning permission on 3 December 2024, with all remaining places having full planning permission, where required. No places needed to meet the commitment are yet to enter the planning process.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what mechanisms are available in cases in which a Child Arrangements Order is not being complied with by one of the parties to the order.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

Where there are concerns that a child arrangements order is not being complied with, parties may seek to resolve the issue by reaching agreement themselves, where it is safe and appropriate to do so. They may also use mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution rather than returning to court. If agreement is reached, the parties may apply to the court to vary the existing order to reflect the agreement.

If agreement cannot be reached, an individual may apply to the court to have child arrangements order varied. This may include a more defined order, or a reconsideration of the child’s living or contact arrangements.  As part of such proceedings, the court may, for example, refer the parties to a form of alternative dispute resolution or to co-parenting programmes to help them try to resolve the issue. The court can vary an existing order or discharge it, and may make a new order in its place.

A party may also request that the court enforces a child arrangements order. The court has powers to make specific types of orders where a child arrangements order has been breached. If the court is satisfied that a person has failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a child arrangements order, it can make an enforcement or suspended enforcement order, imposing a requirement for the person to undertake unpaid work (sections 11J-11M Children Act 1989). The court must be satisfied that making the enforcement order is necessary to secure compliance with the child arrangements order. An order may also be made for compensation for financial loss under section 11O of the Children Act 1989 if one person’s breach of an order has caused financial loss to another person. Alternatively, the court has the powers to issue a fine or commit an individual to prison for being in contempt of court for breaching a child arrangements order.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will provide an estimate of the number of hours spent (a) responding to and (b) preparing for Westminster Hall Debates by (i) government ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisers in her Department for each parliamentary session for which the information is available.

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

No such estimate has been made, and to do so would incur a disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many additional prison places he expects to create by converting (a) offices, (b) laundry rooms, (c) storage areas and (d) other existing prison spaces into cells.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

We have committed to delivering further additional prison places through converting existing prison spaces into operational cells and have bought forward £110 million of funding to deliver these. The locations at which additional places will be delivered, and the exact number of places at each site, will be determined following feasibility assessments and work across the estate.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the total amount of interest that may become payable to NHS Pension Scheme members as a result of identified underpayments.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The NHS Business Services Authority is taking forward work to validate the compliance issues identified at the NHS Pension Scheme. An independent audit carried out by the Government Actuary’s Department will confirm the extent of the member impact.

Based on current assessments, approximately 95% of the NHS Pension Scheme's members are expected to be unaffected. Any member that is affected by the compliance issues will be contacted directly by the NHS Business Services Authority.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many individual member records have been identified as containing errors in the administration of the NHS Pension Scheme since 2008.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The NHS Business Services Authority is taking forward work to validate the compliance issues identified at the NHS Pension Scheme. An independent audit carried out by the Government Actuary’s Department will confirm the extent of the member impact.

Based on current assessments, approximately 95% of the NHS Pension Scheme's members are expected to be unaffected. Any member that is affected by the compliance issues will be contacted directly by the NHS Business Services Authority.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it remains the policy of His Majesty's Government that there can be no negotiations on the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands without the consent of the Falkland Islanders.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

As the Foreign Secretary recently reiterated, the UK's position on the Falkland Islands is long-standing and unwavering. The Islands are British and will remain so for as long as the Islanders wish. Their right of self-determination is grounded in international law, and this government will resolutely uphold it.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what contractual safeguards are in place against cost overruns and delays in the construction of the new prison in Lancashire.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The contracts for the construction of all new prisons in the New Prisons Programme use the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract Option A, which is a priced contract with an activity schedule. This provides a high degree of cost certainty, with the contractor responsible for delivering the agreed scope for a fixed price and payments only made when defined activities are completed. The contract includes a range of commercial safeguards, including retention on payments, a parent company guarantee, independent cost assurance, project bank account arrangements, and the transfer of normal inflation risk to the contractor. Any exceptional risks retained by the Ministry of Justice are clearly defined within the contract and subject to established contractual controls.

To protect against delays the contract includes delay damages linked to both sectional and overall completion milestones, with financial deductions applying where agreed completion dates are missed. The project is also subject to independent programme monitoring and risk assurance, with risk actively managed through governance arrangements and regular oversight. Together, these measures are intended to incentivise timely delivery, provide strong commercial control, and protect the taxpayer from the impact of avoidable cost overruns and programme delays.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the answer of 2nd September 2026, to question number 19530, on Marriages: Reform, whether the proposed system of checks will apply equally to all marriages regardless of the venue or type of ceremony.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

As outlined in the Government’s consultation, Tying the Knot: Reforming weddings law in England and Wales, the proposed system of checks would be carried out through the civil preliminaries process. This would involve two stages: first, providing the required information and supporting evidence online when giving notice, followed by a compulsory separate in-person interview with a registrar. These checks would apply consistently regardless of the venue or type of ceremony for couples using that process.

Under the proposals, all couples would complete the civil preliminaries process, except those marrying through the Anglican route, for whom the existing Anglican preliminaries process would be retained

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what is the expected date on which the first prisoners will be accommodated at the new 1,700-place prison in Lancashire.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The new prison next to the existing HMP Garth in Lancashire is due to receive its first prisoners by December 2031. This date is based on the programmes current assessment and remains subject to change.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether British nationals detained in countries that do not recognise dual nationality will be eligible for support from the Envoy for Complex Consular Cases.

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

The Terms of Reference for the UK Envoy for Complex Consular Detentions are published on GOV.UK. They do not exclude dual nationals from eligibility for support. Cases are considered in accordance with the published Terms of Reference and the role of the Envoy.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many British nationals are currently detained overseas.

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

The Terms of Reference for the UK Envoy for Complex Consular Detentions are published on GOV.UK. They do not exclude dual nationals from eligibility for support. Cases are considered in accordance with the published Terms of Reference and the role of the Envoy.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the press release entitled Business Secretary: “I'm backing investment and innovation to power good growth in every corner of the UK”, published on 22 July 2026, what assessment he has made of trends in the regional distribution of the aerospace support package.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the UK aerospace sector’s long-standing distribution in major regional clusters, with its workforce, innovation and manufacturing activities concentrated in regions such as the South West, West Midlands, North West, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Based on 2024 data, around 88% of the UK aerospace workforce is located outside London and the South East. The aerospace support package announced on 22 July 2026 is expected to predominately support investment, innovation and high-skilled jobs in these UK clusters.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the annual operating cost of the Undercover Policing Inquiry in each financial year since its establishment.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

i) The Undercover Policing Inquiry employs 36 civil servants. An additional 99 staff are contracted or sourced through a managed services contract to provide other services, such as legal support.

ii) The Inquiry’s first interim report was published in June 2023. This covered the Inquiry’s Tranche One investigations of the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1968 and 1982 and did not make any recommendations. The next interim report is due in Autumn 2027 and will not make any recommendations.

iii) The Government has considered whether there are any direct or indirect discrimination issues arising as a result of holding a consultation and has sought to ensure that the consultation is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. In addition to responding through an online survey, individuals may submit responses by email. Following the conclusion of the consultation period, any decisions taken on the direction of the inquiry will aim to take account of an assessment of their impact on equality.

iv) The Inquiry’s full costs are published on its website, and these are updated periodically as further costs are incurred: Undercover Policing Inquiry – Costs. As of the end of March 2026, its total expenditure was £137,067,000. For each financial year from the establishment of the Inquiry, these costs are broken down as follows:

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many members of staff are currently employed by the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

i) The Undercover Policing Inquiry employs 36 civil servants. An additional 99 staff are contracted or sourced through a managed services contract to provide other services, such as legal support.

ii) The Inquiry’s first interim report was published in June 2023. This covered the Inquiry’s Tranche One investigations of the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1968 and 1982 and did not make any recommendations. The next interim report is due in Autumn 2027 and will not make any recommendations.

iii) The Government has considered whether there are any direct or indirect discrimination issues arising as a result of holding a consultation and has sought to ensure that the consultation is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. In addition to responding through an online survey, individuals may submit responses by email. Following the conclusion of the consultation period, any decisions taken on the direction of the inquiry will aim to take account of an assessment of their impact on equality.

iv) The Inquiry’s full costs are published on its website, and these are updated periodically as further costs are incurred: Undercover Policing Inquiry – Costs. As of the end of March 2026, its total expenditure was £137,067,000. For each financial year from the establishment of the Inquiry, these costs are broken down as follows:

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government has undertaken an equality impact assessment in relation to proposals concerning the future of the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

i) The Undercover Policing Inquiry employs 36 civil servants. An additional 99 staff are contracted or sourced through a managed services contract to provide other services, such as legal support.

ii) The Inquiry’s first interim report was published in June 2023. This covered the Inquiry’s Tranche One investigations of the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1968 and 1982 and did not make any recommendations. The next interim report is due in Autumn 2027 and will not make any recommendations.

iii) The Government has considered whether there are any direct or indirect discrimination issues arising as a result of holding a consultation and has sought to ensure that the consultation is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. In addition to responding through an online survey, individuals may submit responses by email. Following the conclusion of the consultation period, any decisions taken on the direction of the inquiry will aim to take account of an assessment of their impact on equality.

iv) The Inquiry’s full costs are published on its website, and these are updated periodically as further costs are incurred: Undercover Policing Inquiry – Costs. As of the end of March 2026, its total expenditure was £137,067,000. For each financial year from the establishment of the Inquiry, these costs are broken down as follows:

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has been made in implementing recommendations arising from the Undercover Policing Inquiry's interim reports.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

i) The Undercover Policing Inquiry employs 36 civil servants. An additional 99 staff are contracted or sourced through a managed services contract to provide other services, such as legal support.

ii) The Inquiry’s first interim report was published in June 2023. This covered the Inquiry’s Tranche One investigations of the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1968 and 1982 and did not make any recommendations. The next interim report is due in Autumn 2027 and will not make any recommendations.

iii) The Government has considered whether there are any direct or indirect discrimination issues arising as a result of holding a consultation and has sought to ensure that the consultation is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. In addition to responding through an online survey, individuals may submit responses by email. Following the conclusion of the consultation period, any decisions taken on the direction of the inquiry will aim to take account of an assessment of their impact on equality.

iv) The Inquiry’s full costs are published on its website, and these are updated periodically as further costs are incurred: Undercover Policing Inquiry – Costs. As of the end of March 2026, its total expenditure was £137,067,000. For each financial year from the establishment of the Inquiry, these costs are broken down as follows:

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many foreign national offenders have been removed from the UK in each month since July 2024.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

In the time since this government came to power and 31 July 2026, 11,733 foreign national offenders (FNOs) have been returned from the UK. In the two years since the election, there has been a 41% increase in FNO returns on the last two years of the previous government (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2026, when compared to the previous 2-year period), and we will continue to do everything we can to remove these vile criminals from our streets.

The monthly breakdown in FNO returns since July 2024 is published in ad-hoc transparency release, which can be found here: Returns from the UK between 1 July 2024 and 31 July 2026 - GOV.UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to question 22623 of 4 September 2026 on Asylum: North West, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of accommodation providers having concentrated procurement activity in the North West on the availability of asylum accommodation in that region.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The full dispersal model facilitates a more equitable and fairer distribution of asylum accommodation nationally, ensuring that all local authorities play a part in supporting the Home Office meet its legal obligations to accommodate asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute while their applications are being considered.

Many of the local authorities in the Northwest were previous voluntary dispersal areas, prior to the introduction of Full Dispersal in 2022. This means that much of the estate within the region is representative of historical procurement, rather than recent efforts to expand the asylum accommodation within the region.

The asylum accommodation plans, set out total number of asylum seekers to be accommodated in every local authority nationally. Our accommodation providers continue working steadfastly to procure additional accommodation in line with these plans, specifically focusing on those regions and local authorities where there remains additional capacity for procurement. Given that many LAs within the Northwest have met those targets set out within the Asylum Accommodation Plans, procurement activity has been reduced proportionally and thus focusses only on those areas within the region where there remains capacity to procure.

The Home Office remains committed to growing a sustainable dispersal estate that accounts not only for the national demand for asylum accommodation, but also for local and regional context.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she considers the current number of asylum seekers supported in the North West to constitute a proportionate share of the national asylum accommodation burden.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The full dispersal model facilitates a more equitable and fairer distribution of asylum accommodation nationally, ensuring that all local authorities play a part in supporting the Home Office meet its legal obligations to accommodate asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute while their applications are being considered.

Many of the local authorities in the Northwest were previous voluntary dispersal areas, prior to the introduction of Full Dispersal in 2022. This means that much of the estate within the region is representative of historical procurement, rather than recent efforts to expand the asylum accommodation within the region.

The asylum accommodation plans, set out total number of asylum seekers to be accommodated in every local authority nationally. Our accommodation providers continue working steadfastly to procure additional accommodation in line with these plans, specifically focusing on those regions and local authorities where there remains additional capacity for procurement. Given that many LAs within the Northwest have met those targets set out within the Asylum Accommodation Plans, procurement activity has been reduced proportionally and thus focusses only on those areas within the region where there remains capacity to procure.

The Home Office remains committed to growing a sustainable dispersal estate that accounts not only for the national demand for asylum accommodation, but also for local and regional context.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many of the 1,400 new free breakfast clubs opening from September 2026 are located in schools in Fylde constituency.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Following the passage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, all schools with primary-age pupils will be required to offer a free breakfast club. New groups of schools will be onboarded in stages throughout 2027/28 to ensure we can continue to provide appropriate support.

There is currently one school delivering a free breakfast club in the Fylde constituency, Medlar-with-Wesham Church of England Primary School, who joined the programme during the early adopter phase. For this first year of national rollout, places on the free breakfast club programme were offered to schools with primary provision who have higher levels of disadvantage.

We look forward to more schools in Fylde joining the programme as national rollout continues, getting the benefits of a healthy breakfast, a soft start to the day, and childcare savings to more children and families.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many new or expanded school-based nurseries are being delivered in Fylde constituency as part of the Government’s childcare programme.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Backed by £400 million capital investment, the school-based nursery programme will deliver tens of thousands of new places by expanding early education and childcare places where it is most needed. This will help more families access funded childcare and give children the best start in life.

The department has already made an impact, awarding £82 million in capital funding to more than 600 primary and maintained nursery schools, which is expected to deliver over 11,000 new nursery places by September 2027. This includes 3 schools in Fylde: Clifton Primary School, Singleton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, and Treales Church of England Primary School.

Schools report that by the end of September 2026 450 new and expanded nurseries will have created over 9,000 new places since the start of the programme.

Local authorities have until 5pm on 30 September 2026 to submit their funding proposals for phase 3.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on the number of legacy inquests expected to resume.

Answered by Sarah Owen - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

The Troubles Bill will allow a small number of inquests that were in progress but halted by the Legacy Act to continue via the coronial system in the first instance. If, subsequently, evidence is withheld from an inquest on the grounds of public interest immunity and the relevant coroner determines that it is not viable to properly conclude an inquest without that information, the coroner will transfer the case to the Legacy Commission’s inquisitorial proceedings.

Inquests that had not started will be subject to an assessment by the Solicitor General, who will independently consider whether an inquest is appropriate, or whether the case should be referred to the Commission’s Inquisitorial Proceedings. For cases involving relevant sensitive information there will be a statutory presumption in favour of the Legacy Commission.

This is a fair approach that allows those inquests that were in progress, and in some cases very advanced, an opportunity to conclude, while recognising the significant role that the Legacy Commission can play in achieving outcomes for families, particularly given its greater capacity to handle and consider sensitive information.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department gives to police forces on the use of facial recognition technology to catch wanted persons.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office does not provide operational guidance to police forces on the use of facial recognition technology.

Forces using the technology must comply with all relevant legal requirements including data protection, human rights and equality legislation, as well as the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and force-level policies. For live facial recognition, forces are required to follow the College of Policing’s national guidance in the form of an Authorised Professional Practice (APP). The APP sets out how the technology should be used, including the categories of individuals who may be included on watchlists and the need for deployments to be necessary and proportionate to a specific policing objective.

The Police Reform Bill will include clearer rules and safeguards, and a single expert body to provide independent advice and oversight.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of hours spent (a) responding to and (b) preparing for Westminster Hall Debates by (i) government ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisers in his Department for each parliamentary session for which the information is available.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

It is not possible to provide an exact cost for preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates. There will be differences in the costs of Civil Service, Special Adviser and Ministerial time depending on the policy matter and length of the debate. Debates can also be cross-cutting and require resources from multiple departments or engage departmental bodies.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Department is taking to increase the number of drug searches at transport hubs.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is committed to tackling the supply and movement of illegal drugs, including through transport networks and at the UK border.

Decisions on the use of stop and search are operational matters for the police, based on local intelligence, threat and risk. Police officers have powers to search individuals and vehicles where the statutory grounds are met, and forces work with partners across transport networks to target illegal drugs supply. The Home Office continues to work with policing partners to support the effective, intelligence-led and proportionate use of these powers, while improving the data available to assess their use and outcomes.

County Lines is a highly violent and exploitative model of drug supply and a harmful form of child criminal exploitation. Through the County Lines Programme, we are targeting exploitative drug dealing gangs and breaking the organised crime groups behind the trade. As part of this work, the Home Office funds a dedicated British Transport Police County Lines Taskforce to disrupt county lines activity on the rail network and identify those involved in the movement and supply of drugs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what was the total value of the contract awarded to Pearson Education Limited in April 2024 for the delivery of Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Pearson Education Limited was awarded the contract to deliver key stage 2 tests on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency in April 2024, following an open procurement process in line with the relevant legal procurement regulations and commercial requirements. The contract term was four years and had an initial value of £85 million. This was later reduced to £79 million as activity relating to optional key stage 1 tests was descoped.

Pearson informed the government on 1 July 2026 that they were not ready to upload results to the online portal for schools, and they needed additional time to ensure the system was ready for schools to access. Pearson has fully apologised for failing to return results on time and for the impact on schools, pupils and parents. Ministers have been closely involved in monitoring the situation with Pearson since we first became aware of problems with Modmark, Pearson's online marking platform.

We will use all available contractual provisions to hold Pearson to account and are considering all options for future delivery. An independent review, led by Dame Christine Gilbert, has been launched into how such serious failures occurred and is expected to report to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, in October 2026.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether Ministers had discussions with Pearson Education Limited before 1 July 2026 regarding risks to the publication timetable for SATs results.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Pearson Education Limited was awarded the contract to deliver key stage 2 tests on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency in April 2024, following an open procurement process in line with the relevant legal procurement regulations and commercial requirements. The contract term was four years and had an initial value of £85 million. This was later reduced to £79 million as activity relating to optional key stage 1 tests was descoped.

Pearson informed the government on 1 July 2026 that they were not ready to upload results to the online portal for schools, and they needed additional time to ensure the system was ready for schools to access. Pearson has fully apologised for failing to return results on time and for the impact on schools, pupils and parents. Ministers have been closely involved in monitoring the situation with Pearson since we first became aware of problems with Modmark, Pearson's online marking platform.

We will use all available contractual provisions to hold Pearson to account and are considering all options for future delivery. An independent review, led by Dame Christine Gilbert, has been launched into how such serious failures occurred and is expected to report to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, in October 2026.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, on what date officials first became aware of risks to the publication of Key Stage 2 SATs results.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Pearson Education Limited was awarded the contract to deliver key stage 2 tests on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency in April 2024, following an open procurement process in line with the relevant legal procurement regulations and commercial requirements. The contract term was four years and had an initial value of £85 million. This was later reduced to £79 million as activity relating to optional key stage 1 tests was descoped.

Pearson informed the government on 1 July 2026 that they were not ready to upload results to the online portal for schools, and they needed additional time to ensure the system was ready for schools to access. Pearson has fully apologised for failing to return results on time and for the impact on schools, pupils and parents. Ministers have been closely involved in monitoring the situation with Pearson since we first became aware of problems with Modmark, Pearson's online marking platform.

We will use all available contractual provisions to hold Pearson to account and are considering all options for future delivery. An independent review, led by Dame Christine Gilbert, has been launched into how such serious failures occurred and is expected to report to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, in October 2026.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, if she will make an estimate of the number of hours spent (a) responding to and (b) preparing for Westminster Hall Debates by (i) government ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisers in her Department for each parliamentary session for which the information is available.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

It is not possible to provide an estimate for hours spent preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates. There will be differences in the Civil Service, Special Adviser and Ministerial time depending on the policy matter and length of the debate. Debates can also be cross-cutting and require resources from multiple departments or engage departmental bodies.