Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of statutory maternity pay levels on (a) workforce retention and (b) maternal health outcomes.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Government has committed to review the parental leave and pay system.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of ending the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on (a) listed religious buildings and (b) their congregations.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

While we have confirmed the extension of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme until 31 March 2026, the future funding of the scheme after this date is being assessed and considered as we work through the output of the Spending Review and the Departmental business planning process.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of food imports produced to lower animal welfare standards on the competitiveness of UK farmers.

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

The Government shares the public’s high regard for the high animal welfare standards we have in this country; they are one of the selling points of our British farming industry and are greatly valued by consumers both at home and abroad.

As set out in the UK’s Trade Strategy, the department will not lower food standards and will uphold high animal welfare standards. Defra recognises concerns about methods of production, such as sow stalls and battery cages, which are not permitted in the UK. While production methods vary in line with different climates, diseases and other contextual reasons, we will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the University of the Air White Paper

British forces on the front line in Afghanistan

Found: Charalambous; Sir Christopher Chope; Mr Lee Dillon; Mary Kelly Foy; Tracy Gilbert; Gurinder Singh Josan; Lee Pitcher