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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to protect UK packaging producers from foreign competitors with more environmentally harmful products.

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 UK's Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme and related fees apply equally to products whether they are imported or manufactured in the UK. This helps ensure a level playing field for UK packaging producers, whilst encouraging the use of packaging which is easier to recycle.

In addition, the UK promotes resource efficiency and circular economy objectives through its free trade agreements, including cooperation with partners on environmentally sustainable product design and related product information, including for packaging.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (a) what consideration has been given to the potential merits of requiring rainwater harvesting and attenuation measures in all new developments in Herefordshire and the River Wye catchment and (b) what assessment has been made of the potential contribution such measures in addressing the impacts of both flooding and drought.

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

The August 2026 update to the National Planning Policy Framework, in Policy F8, requires developments with drainage implications to use Sustainable Drainage Systems. Attenuation of flood risk is a key element of delivering sustainable development.

Herefordshire Council's Core Strategy, adopted in 2015, includes policies that address Sustainable Design (SD1) – including water conservation, and Sustainable Water Management and Water Resources (SD4). A new Local Plan is being prepared.

Rainwater harvesting and other water storage infrastructure play an essential part in both conserving water during dry weather and restricting its impact during flooding. This provides a long-term cumulative benefit.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration his Department has given to the potential merits of implementing the recommendation from the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance's report on 'Water use in AI and Data Centres' to mandate comprehensive and location-based water reporting for data centres.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

BIST engages regularly with DEFRA and the Environment Agency to ensure data infrastructure does not compromise public water supply resilience. The Government supports efficient cooling technologies, including closed-loop systems and alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting.

AI Growth Zone applicants must provide water plans and confirmation of feasibility from the relevant water supplier. Data centre developers progressing through the NSIP regime must assess impacts on water resources through Environmental Impact Assessments, while national planning policy embeds sustainable water use and resource efficiency in decision-making.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her department will prioritise the development and rollout of circulating tumour (ctDNA) tests for pancreatic cancer, in the context of outcomes seen in the ctDNA pilot for lung cancer.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 15 July to Question 16704.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has been made of the potential merits of embedding reflex genomic testing into the pancreatic cancer pathway.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 15 July to Question 16704.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the government of Israel to deter further settler violence in the village of Umm al-Khair in the southern West Bank.

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

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given on 10 September to question 21391, and the statement by the Foreign Secretary on 8 September.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the United Kingdom's humanitarian funding in response to the August 2026 flash floods in Nepal is channelled directly to (a) local and (b) women-led organisations.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has announced a £5 million humanitarian response package for Nepal. This includes £3 million through the UN for urgent needs, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection; £1 million through Start Fund Nepal to support local organisations; £750,000 through the Red Cross movement; and up to £250,000 for UK humanitarian expertise and coordination. These organisations work through local partners. UK contributions to pooled funds and multilateral development banks, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, are also helping to mobilise large-scale financial support. The UK is engaging partners to ensure protection, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and wider humanitarian services are responsive to the needs of women and girls. We continue to keep the need for additional humanitarian funding under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to increase (a) the humanitarian funding package for Nepal and (b) funding for (i) shelter, (ii) water and sanitation, and (iii) protection services in Nepal in response to the flash floods of August 2026.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has announced a £5 million humanitarian response package for Nepal. This includes £3 million through the UN for urgent needs, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection; £1 million through Start Fund Nepal to support local organisations; £750,000 through the Red Cross movement; and up to £250,000 for UK humanitarian expertise and coordination. These organisations work through local partners. UK contributions to pooled funds and multilateral development banks, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, are also helping to mobilise large-scale financial support. The UK is engaging partners to ensure protection, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and wider humanitarian services are responsive to the needs of women and girls. We continue to keep the need for additional humanitarian funding under review.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions to Science and Technology Facilities Council programmes on regional growth and high-skilled jobs in regions of the country facing cuts.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), as part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), completed an evidence-based prioritisation exercise to ensure its portfolio remains financially sustainable and focused on the highest-priority scientific opportunities. As part of this process, STFC grant funding for Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics postdoctoral researchers was maintained at 2025/26 levels, while PhD studentships and fellowships were also protected helping to sustain the UK's skills base, research expertise and long-term scientific capability.

STFC continues to invest in major research infrastructure that supports regional growth and high-skilled employment, including £327 million in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) between 2021 and 2030. Headquartered in the North West, SKAO is expected to unlock around £225 million of foreign direct investment and £280 million of additional UK economic value.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions to Science and Technology Facilities Council programmes on the UK's international scientific partnerships.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Major international subscriptions, including participation in world-leading facilities and collaborations, are being fully protected through Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s prioritisation decisions. This safeguards UK access, influence and leadership in international scientific partnerships. Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), as part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), completed an evidence-based prioritisation exercise to ensure its portfolio remains financially sustainable and focused on the highest-priority scientific opportunities. Options were assessed against scientific excellence, long-term research impact, strategic importance to the UK and international leadership. Prioritisation decisions relating to individual projects do not impact the UK’s overall commitment to membership of international research infrastructure like CERN and SKAO.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic and humanitarian aid response steps he is taking to prevent loss of life in the city of El Obeid.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take in response to recent developments in Sudan, including the reported encirclement of El Obeid by the Rapid Support Forces, to (i) protect civilians from atrocities, (ii) secure humanitarian access, (iii) prevent famine, and (iv) ensure aid from the United Kingdom reaches local Sudanese organisations.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how he and the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan plan to respond to reports of sexual violence and drone strikes against civilians across Sudan.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support people fleeing violence around El Obeid and in the Blue Nile State.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive

Deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough

E1 settlement project and international law

Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions

Chinese state repression against Tibetans

Killing of Mohamed Fawaz al-Wahidi

Estate management charges

Right to independent advocacy for care home residents

Treatment of security staff employed at the National Gallery

Funding of Jodrell Bank Observatory

Cosmetic specifications for fresh produce and national food security

Miscarriage care

National strategy for fertility

Furniture poverty and access to essential household goods

Review of Personal Independence Payment

Industrial action at V&A Museum

50th Anniversary of the Grunwick Strike

Support for hospices

Air Ambulance Week 2026

National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers

Deported Chinese seafarers

56th anniversary of the election of Salvador Allende

Reported air strikes and civilian casualties in Surab, Balochistan

Multilateral funding for education

150th anniversary of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876

Baby Loss Awareness Week

Independent Office for Police Conduct findings on Norman Bettison

Found: • Dr Ellie Chowns, a Green Party MP and then her party’s spokesperson on housing, communities and

Found: Committed Central Midlands Ellham Medical Bassingbourn SG8 5LU Health Committed Central Midlands Ellie Chowns