Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners to ensure the protection of Christians and other religious minorities in Tajikistan.

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

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, including in Tajikistan and Tunisia. On 8 July, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, set out the Government's new strategy on FoRB, providing a framework for engagement with other countries, and describing the links between the protection of FoRB and other goals including the prevention of conflict. As part of this strategy, the UK continues to support FoRB on the international stage, through our position in the United Nations, G7 and Article 18 Alliance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners to ensure the protection of Christians and other religious minorities in Tunisia.

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

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, including in Tajikistan and Tunisia. On 8 July, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, set out the Government's new strategy on FoRB, providing a framework for engagement with other countries, and describing the links between the protection of FoRB and other goals including the prevention of conflict. As part of this strategy, the UK continues to support FoRB on the international stage, through our position in the United Nations, G7 and Article 18 Alliance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact in Northern Ireland of the abolition of VAT exemption for private school fees on the parents of children with special educational needs; and what estimate she has made of additional VAT receipts arising in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government conducted thorough and detailed analysis of the impacts of this policy, including in Northern Ireland, and published a Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) which sets out this analysis. This is a comprehensive assessment of the impacts on individuals and families, businesses and the wider economy, as well as equalities impacts. It was published online and can be found here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-on-private-school-fees/ac8c20ce-4824-462d-b206-26a567724643

In Northern Ireland, the Education Authority (EA) is responsible for funding placements of pupils with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) within a private school. The EA can recover the VAT that it is charged on these pupils’ fees, which means that those pupils are unaffected by the removal of the VAT exemption.

Due to how VAT is collected it is not possible to estimate the VAT receipts arising in Northern Ireland. However, overall this policy is expected to raise £1.7 billion per year by 2029/30.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Great British Energy’s activities on small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ireland since its establishment; what steps his Department is taking with Great British Energy to ensure that opportunities in the clean energy supply chain and project investment are accessible to SMEs in Northern Ireland; and how his Department is monitoring SME engagement and participation in Great British Energy-related projects in the devolved regions.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Great British Energy (GBE) will operate in Northern Ireland as part of its commitment to deliver in all four nations of the UK. Recognising Northern Ireland’s distinct energy landscape and regulatory framework, GBE will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to explore ways it can best support the delivery of clean power, community energy and drive inclusive economic growth. The contribution of SMEs to the development of clean power including supply chains will be part of this consideration.

Earlier this year GBE committed £1.62 million for community and public sector renewable projects in Northern Ireland. On 10 December, we announced that this funding will help Further Education Colleges to benefit from clean energy, through installation of Solar PV at a number of sites.

Additionally, on 11 December, GBE also launched a £300m supply chain fund for offshore wind and networks. All areas of the UK will be eligible for funding, meaning projects may be located anywhere in the UK, including in Northern Ireland, subject to Windsor Framework considerations.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2025 to Question 53771 on Railways: Finance, what recent progress she has made on the Union Connectivity Development Fund.

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

The Union Connectivity Development Fund (UCDF) has provided financial support for a range of transport connectivity projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This includes funding to support four rail feasibility studies in Northern Ireland, the conclusions of which have just been published in a Translink report.

While there are no plans for further UCDF-supported projects once those already underway are concluded, the Department remains committed to its strong partnerships with the Devolved Governments, focusing on collaboration, capacity building and the sharing of best practice, where appropriate.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the scale of people-smuggling facilitation activity with operational links to Northern Ireland since July 2024; and how many disruptions and arrests have been made.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Through the Border Security Command, we continue to work with all key partners, both across the UK and internationally to disrupt and deter people-smuggling facilitation. Our collective law enforcement powers, sharing intelligence, data, and expertise, and conducting joined-up operational activity support our aim of putting people-smuggling gangs out of business.

The National Crime Agency's National Strategic Assessment assesses that the Common Travel Area (CTA), and particularly the routes between Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain, continue to be exploited by criminals for the purposes of immigration crime.

Tackling the threat from organised immigration crime, including illegal entry to the UK via the Common Travel Area (CTA), is complex and requires the coordination of approach and resource across the Home Office and with Policing Partners. Within Immigration Enforcement, our Officers work closely with law enforcement partners both in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland to maximise the use of resources and ensure the upstream disruption of out-of-country organised crime groups who seek to facilitate immigration crime through the CTA.

Our published national data on enforcement activity is available at the following link and includes data on detected irregular arrivals to the UK: Immigration system statistics, year ending September 2025 - GOV.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of bank closures on access to banking services by vulnerable and elderly people; how many Banking Hubs currently operate in Northern Ireland; and what her target is for the number of additional Banking Hubs to be opened in Northern Ireland before the end of this parliamentary term.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to supporting sufficient access for customers.

The Government is working closely with industry on the commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament, which will provide individuals and businesses across the country with cash and banking services. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and 200 are already open. Of these, there are currently seven banking hubs operating in Northern Ireland.

The treatment of customers by UK banks is governed by the the Financial Conduct Authority, which requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers. In addition, like all service providers, banks and building societies are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services.

While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Banks must show they have considered customer needs and identified potential reasonable alternatives. The FCA also expects engagement with stakeholders at least 12 weeks before closure and ensures that any replacement services, such as banking hubs, are in place before a branch closes. These measures aim to ensure closures are implemented fairly and transparently.

The Government does not have specific regional targets for banking hub opening as the locations of banking hubs are determined independently by LINK.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what progress has been made in discussions with the United States administration regarding the initiative outlined in the Windsor Framework and Safeguarding the Union document to establish a US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility at Belfast International Airport; and what the anticipated timeline for such negotiations would be.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

As part of commitments within the Windsor Framework and the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, the then-Government committed to “enter into exploratory talks with the United States Administration on the options for introducing pre-clearance checks on customs and immigration for passengers travelling on direct flights from Belfast International Airport and destinations in the USA.”

I can confirm that this was raised with the US Administration, but the decision ultimately rests them.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many immigration enforcement visits relating to visa overstaying were conducted in Northern Ireland in each quarter since July 2024; and what plans she has to increase capacity.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

To maintain the highest standards of accuracy, the Home Office prefers to refer to published data, as this has been subject to rigorous quality assurance under National Statistics protocols prior to publication.

Information about enforcement visits in Northern Ireland specifically related to visa overstaying is not available in our published data.

Our published national data on enforcement activity is available at the following link: Immigration system statistics, year ending September 2025 - GOV.UK

All aspects of enforcement activity conducted by the Northern Ireland Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Team have significantly risen year on year. This includes increased illegal working operations and conducting more residential and compliance visits in conjunction with law enforcement partners to tackle abuse of the immigration system.

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 impacts of the decriminalisation of abortion on (a) clinical safeguards, (b) informed consent procedures, (c) access to alternative support services, and (d) the protection of vulnerable women.

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

The House of Commons has voted to add a clause to the Crime and Policing Bill which disapplies the criminal offences related to abortion for a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy. These offences would still apply to medical professionals and third parties who do not abide by the rules set out in the Abortion Act 1967. The bill will now continue its progress through Parliament.

Informed consent is separate from the requirements set by the Abortion Act for two doctors to certify that a woman meets the grounds for abortion. Consent to treatment means a person must give permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test, or examination. For consent to be valid, it must be voluntary and informed, and the person consenting must have the capacity to make the decision. These principles will continue to apply irrespective of whether abortion is decriminalised.

As part of standards set by the Care Quality Commission, abortion services must be able to prove that they have processes in place to ensure that all women and girls are seeking services voluntarily. It will also remain a requirement for an abortion service, as laid out in the Department’s Required Standard Operating Procedures, that staff should be able to identify those who require more support than can be provided in the routine abortion service setting, including where there is evidence of coercion.

Safeguarding is an essential aspect of abortion care, and abortion providers are required to have effective arrangements in place to safeguard children and vulnerable adults accessing their services. Providers must ensure that all staff are trained to recognise the signs of potential abuse and coercion and know how to respond. In addition, we expect all providers to have due regard to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s national safeguarding guidance for under-18 year olds accessing early medical abortion services.

The Department is continuing to monitor abortion related amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill and will consider whether current arrangements are sufficient or if additional guidance is needed.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that women considering abortion are provided with comprehensive information on all available options, including parenting, adoption, and perinatal palliative care.

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

In line with the Department’s required standard operating procedures for the approval of independent sector places for termination of pregnancy in England, women seeking abortion services must be given impartial, accurate, and evidence-based information so that they are able to make an informed choice about their preferred course of action.

The National Health Service website provides factual information on abortion, including directing people seeking impartial information and support to their general practice or to regulated organisations such as Brook, for under 25 year olds, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, MSI Reproductive Health Choices UK, and National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service. All the main abortion providers offer pregnancy counselling, which includes advice on options such as parenting and adoption.

Following a diagnosis of fetal anomaly, women and their partners must receive appropriate counselling and support. At no stage should there be a bias towards abortion. All staff involved in the care of a woman or couple facing a possible termination of pregnancy must adopt a nondirective, non-judgemental, and supportive approach. It should not be assumed that a woman will choose to have a termination, and a decision to continue with the pregnancy must be fully supported. In addition, the charity Antenatal Results and Choices offers information and support for people who have received a diagnosis after antenatal screening.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to review the scope of statutory protections for healthcare professionals who conscientiously object to participating in abortion procedures.

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

There are no plans to review the scope of statutory protections for healthcare professionals who conscientiously object to participating in abortion procedures. In England and Wales the right to refuse to participate in terminations of pregnancy, other than where the termination is necessary to save the life of, or prevent grave injury to, the pregnant woman, is protected by law under section 4(1) of the Abortion Act 1967.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to review the 24-week abortion gestational limit in light of recent scientific evidence on foetal pain and advances in neonatal care.

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

There are no plans for the Government to review the gestational limits of abortion. It is for Parliament to decide whether to make any changes to the law on abortion, including gestational time limits.

When the time limit was last reduced in 1990, there was a clear consensus from the medical profession that the age of viability had reduced from 28 weeks to 24 weeks gestation. There is currently no clear medical consensus that the age of viability has reduced below 24 weeks.

The Government does not formulate policy on fetal sentience and fetal pain. The review and determination of fetal sentience and its implications for abortion and clinical practice is reached through professional medical consensus and clinical guidance.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has carried out a comprehensive review into fetal awareness evidence. Published in December 2022, the review concluded that the evidence to date indicates that the possibility of pain perception before 28 weeks of gestation is unlikely.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department issues to abortion providers on informing women of alternative support services and pathways before an abortion is undertaken.

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

The Department’s required standard operating procedures for the approval of independent sector places for termination of pregnancy, or abortion, in England sets out that women requesting termination of pregnancy must be given impartial, accurate, and evidence-based information, both verbal and written, delivered in a clear, understandable, and non-judgemental way. This includes informing women about their options so that they can make an informed choice about their preferred course of action. As early as possible, women should be provided with detailed information including alternatives to abortions, for instance, adoption and motherhood. Their choice should be respected without any unnecessary delay.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of whether abortion providers, including British Pregnancy Advisory Service and Marie Stopes InternationaI Reproductive Choices, provide clear and comprehensive information to pregnant women on the full range of childcare and maternity related financial support available to them.

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

The Department’s required standard operating procedures for the approval of independent sector places for the termination of a pregnancy, an abortion, in England sets out that women requesting termination of pregnancy must be given impartial, accurate, and evidence-based information, both verbal and written, delivered in a clear, understandable, and non-judgemental way. This includes informing women about their options so that they can make an informed choice about their preferred course of action. As early as possible, women should be provided with detailed information, including on alternatives to abortions such as adoption and motherhood. Their choice should be respected without any unnecessary delay.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to sell her Department's vacant residential properties in Upper Bann constituency.

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

The Home Office does not own properties used to accommodate individuals in the asylum system.

Accommodation is sourced, managed, and maintained by contracted Service Providers under the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contracts (AASC), which set out obligations to provide suitable accommodation meeting statutory requirements.

These properties are not part of the Home Office estate, and the Department has no authority over their disposal.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she will publish a full list of residential properties leased or controlled by her Department or its contractors in Upper Bann constituency, including occupancy status, duration of vacancy, and cost to the public purse.

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

For the safety, security and wellbeing of staff and those being accommodated, the Home Office does not disclose publicly information about accommodation sites which may or may not be utilised.

Information on asylum accommodation is published regularly in the Home Office’s transparency data and official statistics, which are available online.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many residential properties secured by her Department and its contractors in the Upper Bann constituency have been unoccupied for more than (a) three months, (b) six months, and (c) twelve months; and for what reasons each such property has not been brought into use.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office does not publish data on the utilisation of asylum accommodation. We aim to utilise our estate as fully as possible, however, as with all types of accommodation properties may be temporarily vacant for a variety of operational reasons, including the need for maintenance or refurbishment work, or while awaiting allocation to new occupants following the departure of previous residents.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much has been paid by her Department to contractors for residential properties in the Upper Bann constituency that were unoccupied at the time of payment in each of the last three financial years.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Department only makes payments for Dispersed Accommodation properties when they are occupied. Consequently, no payments have been made for unoccupied properties in the Upper Bann constituency during the period in question.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether contractors operating residential accommodation on behalf of her Department in the Upper Bann constituency have exceeded permitted profit margins.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Profit margins being exceeded are not broken down by specific constituencies.

Mears, who manage the Home Office’s asylum accommodation for Northern Ireland and other contracted regions, did exceed their profit margins. The Home Office is in the process of recouping the full amount owed, as part of the profit share mechanism within the contract.

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50th anniversary of Kingsmills Massacre

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Passing of Callum McVeigh