Asked by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what impact neighbourhood plans will have on planning decisions following reforms to the national planning process.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published on 12 December 2024 is clear as to the important role that neighbourhood plans play in the planning system and includes important protections for neighbourhood plans from speculative development.
Once passed at referendum, neighbourhood plans form part of the development plan, which is the starting point in making planning decisions.
The revised NPPF is clear that where a planning application conflicts with policies in an up-to-date local plan or neighbourhood plan, the application should not usually be granted.
Asked by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department is taking steps to (a) simplify the process and (b) support people making applications for visa extensions for Ukrainian refugees.
Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications on 4 February 2025, which enables Ukrainians in the UK under the Ukraine visa schemes to apply for a further 18 months’ temporary permission to remain in the UK. Further information on eligibility and application processes is available at Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme - GOV.UK.
Applicants who still have their BRP may be able to reuse previously submitted biometrics (fingerprint and photograph) and may not need to attend a UK Visas and Citizenship Application (UKVCAS) service point. Applicants that apply before their current permission expires will retain the conditions of their current visa whilst their application is under consideration, and these conditions are demonstrated on an applicant’s eVisa.
Asked by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to further research into rare diseases.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Department funds rare disease research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). 17 NIHR Biomedical Research Centres support research into rare diseases and the NIHR is working in partnership with the Medical Research Council to co-fund a UK Rare Disease Research Platform which brings together research teams across the United Kingdom with patients, stakeholders and technologies to deliver rare disease research with greater impact.
Asked by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department will allow UK oncologists to test for genetic weaknesses by carrying out Whole Genomic Sequencing.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Genomic testing in the National Health Service in England is provided through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and delivered by a national genomic testing network of seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The NHS GLHs deliver testing as directed by the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes tests for over 7,000 rare diseases and over 200 clinical indications of cancer. Testing can be delivered using a range of technologies, including whole genome sequencing (WGS) or Next Generation Sequencing technology, large cancer gene panels, to ensure that a patient receives the most appropriate genomic testing depending on their individual circumstances.
The National Genomic Test Directory sets out the eligibility criteria for patients to access testing as well as the genomic targets to be tested and the method that should be used. For most cancers, the National Genomic Test Directory outlines that large gene panels inclusive of targets for treatments should be offered as the first line option. WGS can then be offered to any cancer patient that requires it to determine their next stage of treatment.
Asked by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential of targeted mutation treatments through genetic treatment for rare cancers.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Improvements in genomic capabilities have accelerated the development of new precision medicines which can target genomic mutations, including for rare cancers. To help make precision medicines available to patients, the National Health Service has supported access to clinical trials, where the eligibility is based on genomic variants. They also support the adoption and spread of innovative medicines through an innovative genomic testing service and commercial medicines framework.
In October 2022, NHS England published the first NHS Genomics Strategy, Accelerating Genomic Medicine in the NHS, which outlines the vision for embedding genomics in the NHS over the next five years. The strategy includes a commitment to work with partners, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, to identify and prepare for the rapid introduction of companion diagnostic genomic testing. This is critical to ensuring easy access to innovative precision medicines and technologies. Further information on Accelerating Genomic Medicine in the NHS is available at the following link:
Additionally, the National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, including genetic treatments.