Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) Norwegian authorities and (b) other international partners on the UK’s access to the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project; and what recent discussions his Department has had with the London Protocol on the non-pipeline transport of carbon dioxide for offshore storage.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government regularly engages with European nations, including Norway, and with international partners on developments in the carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) industry, but has not specifically discussed access to the Northern Lights project.

The UK has one of the largest potential CO₂ storage capacities in Europe. We have an opportunity to offer CO₂ storage services to neighbouring countries, providing new growth opportunities and supporting regional decarbonisation.

The UK has applied a 2009 Amendment to the London Protocol allowing us to enter into bilateral agreements or arrangements with third countries for cross-border transport of CO₂ for permanent geological storage.

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 improve outcomes for (a) restless legs syndrome and (b) other rare conditions.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to providing high-quality care and support to people with all types of health conditions, including restless legs syndrome (RLS) and rare health conditions, to ensure that they live independent and healthier lives for longer. This means having access to the latest services and treatments, as well as supporting their families and unpaid carers.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence publishes clinical knowledge summaries (CKS) as a source of supporting information mainly for National Health Service staff working in primary care. The CKS on the diagnosis and clinical management of RLS was updated in February 2025 and is available at the following link:

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/

General practitioners are supported on RLS by neurology referral or specialist Advice and Guidance. This includes 27 specialised neurological treatment centres across the NHS in England, which provide access to neurological multidisciplinary teams to ensure that patients with RLS can receive specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.

The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community, and these include: helping patients get a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We remain committed to delivering under the framework, and published the annual England Action Plan in February 2025. The framework, published in January 2021, is available from the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-rare-diseases-framework

Mauritius Treaty

Christian persecution in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Interception of small boats by France

Restless legs syndrome

Found: Members present: Jess Brown-Fuller; Jonathan Davies; Mary Glindon; Alison Hume; Will Stone; Martin Vickers

Found: Members present: Bob Blackman (Chair); Jonathan Davies; Mary Glindon; Alison Hume; Will Stone; Martin Vickers