Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government will commit to publishing outcome data and not only referral figures for Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE as set out in the Veterans Strategy.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England has been working with the regional providers of Op COURAGE to ensure that they are meeting the needs of veterans. This includes reviewing the time that veterans wait for assessment and treatment. Any required changes identified through this internal review will be implemented from April 2026.

All primary care networks in Wiltshire have at least one general practice (GP) accredited as being veteran friendly. NHS England, in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners, are continuing to encourage GPs to participate in the Armed Forces Veteran Friendly GP accreditation scheme. This voluntary initiative is available to GPs across England and is free to access.

NHS England is working with Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE to develop more meaningful data on outcomes, patient satisfaction, and to demonstrate progress on continuous improvement in services and clinical provision. This work will focus on ensuring that future reporting is both purposeful and proportionate, to avoid detracting from the delivery of frontline services.

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 reduce waiting times for veterans accessing Op COURAGE services, including for those in rural counties such as Wiltshire.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England has been working with the regional providers of Op COURAGE to ensure that they are meeting the needs of veterans. This includes reviewing the time that veterans wait for assessment and treatment. Any required changes identified through this internal review will be implemented from April 2026.

All primary care networks in Wiltshire have at least one general practice (GP) accredited as being veteran friendly. NHS England, in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners, are continuing to encourage GPs to participate in the Armed Forces Veteran Friendly GP accreditation scheme. This voluntary initiative is available to GPs across England and is free to access.

NHS England is working with Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE to develop more meaningful data on outcomes, patient satisfaction, and to demonstrate progress on continuous improvement in services and clinical provision. This work will focus on ensuring that future reporting is both purposeful and proportionate, to avoid detracting from the delivery of frontline services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of GP accreditation coverage for Veteran Aware practices in Wiltshire, and what steps are being taken to close any gaps.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England has been working with the regional providers of Op COURAGE to ensure that they are meeting the needs of veterans. This includes reviewing the time that veterans wait for assessment and treatment. Any required changes identified through this internal review will be implemented from April 2026.

All primary care networks in Wiltshire have at least one general practice (GP) accredited as being veteran friendly. NHS England, in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners, are continuing to encourage GPs to participate in the Armed Forces Veteran Friendly GP accreditation scheme. This voluntary initiative is available to GPs across England and is free to access.

NHS England is working with Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE to develop more meaningful data on outcomes, patient satisfaction, and to demonstrate progress on continuous improvement in services and clinical provision. This work will focus on ensuring that future reporting is both purposeful and proportionate, to avoid detracting from the delivery of frontline services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether training on the NHS Accessible Information Standard will be included in the competency framework setting out all nationally mandated training subjects, in the context of NHS’s England’s ongoing review of mandatory training for NHS staff.

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

NHS England is currently considering the inclusion of the Accessible Information Standard in the Competency Framework as part of their review of mandatory and statutory training for National Health Service staff.

In the meantime, NHS England is working to support implementation of the Accessible Information Standard with awareness raising, communication and engagement, and a review of the current e-learning modules on the Accessible Information Standard. The intention is to ensure that staff and organisations in the NHS are aware of the Accessible Information Standard and the importance of meeting the information and communication needs of disabled people using services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timeline is for making the NHS Accessible Information Standard mandatory for health and social care providers, following commencement of regulations made under the Health and Care Act 2022.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Mandatory information standards will be introduced in a staged process. There is no timeline yet for issuing a mandatory NHS Accessible Information Standard.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support access to (a) affordable minimally processed foods and (b) UK-grown fruit, vegetables and legumes in (i) Wiltshire and (ii) other rural areas.

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

The Good Food Cycle sets out the government’s vision to drive better outcomes from the UK food system around 10 priority outcomes, on healthy and more affordable food, good growth, sustainable and resilient supply, and vibrant food cultures.

The food strategy brings together and coordinates action across government towards a healthier, more equitable and resilient food system, including collaboration with:

• Department for Education on future revision of school food standards.

• Department for Health and Social Care on delivery of diet-related health elements of the 10 Year Health Plan, including on sales, advertising and promotion of healthy food, review of the nutrient profiling model, and Healthy Start.

• HM Treasury / Revenue and Customs – on the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.

The UK produces some of the world’s highest quality products - a source of national pride and central to access to healthy, affordable food in all areas. The food strategy’s approach to food security includes robust, diverse supply chains and domestic production as well as imports.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timeline is for implementing the Government’s Forces First approach for new homes built on surplus Ministry of Defence land, and whether any such sites are planned in Wiltshire.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government’s Forces First approach will apply to a proportion of new homes on selected surplus Defence sites, agreed between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the local authority and the developer based on demand and site viability.

This will increase the number of Service Family Accommodation through MOD acquisition of high-quality new build properties developed on surplus Defence sites, where these are needed. This ensures military families benefit directly from the construction taking place on former military land, creating investment and improvement.

Final plans for construction are pending, so any future military housing in Wiltshire cannot yet be confirmed. Priority access to selected sites will be agreed with local authorities and developers to support Service personnel and national housebuilding targets.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the new cross-government veteran employment taskforce is taking to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in rural areas, have access to veteran talent.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Government recognises the vital role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK play in our economy and is committed to ensuring they have access to the skills and talents they need to succeed. Veterans bring exceptional qualities such as leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience, which are invaluable to UK business, from SMEs to large organisations.

The recently published Veterans Strategy sets out how this Government will ensure veterans can maximise the skills gained during their time in service, whether supporting them into sustainable careers in high growth, critical industries, or ensuring they can access the tools needed to set up and scale their own business.

The Veteran Employment Taskforce will bring together teams from across government, including the Defence Office for Defence Small Business Growth, to ensure veterans are reflected in the Government's employment strategies and identify opportunities for SMEs to access veteran talent effectively. This will be supported by ongoing collaboration with businesses, particularly the 8,000+ Defence Employer Recognition Scheme holders, to identify and share best practice.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure that veterans without reliable digital access can still obtain the Digital Veteran Card.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

We recognise that not all veterans can reliably access digital services or the internet. The digital Veteran Card is an optional version of the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. Eligibility for a digital version, includes that applicants must already hold a physical card.

Applications for both Veteran Cards can be made either online or via post, ensuring that a fully non-digital route remains available. This approach ensures that all veterans can access the support and benefits they are entitled to. Veterans who require additional help can access support through the Veterans UK helpline.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to publish the membership and terms of reference for the cross-government delivery group for veterans.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Veterans Strategy commits to redesign the underpinning governance and engagement that drives delivery of veterans’ priorities and decision making. I will work with Ministers across UK Government and Devolved Governments to deliver on the priorities set out in the strategy.

The cross-Government delivery group is an official level group that supports Ministers to implement this important strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Government plans to publish the first tranche of data gathered through VALOUR support centres, and whether that data will be disaggregated by region.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The VALOUR programme is being developed and funding for VALOUR Recognised Centres opened on 10 November and closes on 14 January 2026. There will be an expectation on centres to share data with VALOUR HQ, where it will then be reviewed and analysed, to be then be used to further inform policymaking.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR-recognised support centres will be evenly distributed across rural areas.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Applications are currently open for organisations to bid to become VALOUR recognised centres. The locations of centres will be dependent on which organisations apply and are awarded funding; however, consideration will be given to the geographic spread of centres. The programme guidance for applicants encourages them to consider how their bid will deliver more equity of access and consistency in service quality throughout the UK.

VALOUR recognised centres will facilitate in-person access to multiple services for veterans right across the UK. These centres will be required to meet high standards and provide timely data to the UK Government regarding the needs and experiences of veterans to inform future service improvements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR field officers are trained to understand the needs of veterans from underrepresented groups including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Across the UK, new dedicated and regionally based VALOUR field officers will oversee the establishment and support the running of a network of place-based partnerships. These partnerships will bring together partners from across local government, public services and the third sector to drive forward delivery of the Veterans' Strategy and Armed Forces Covenant in their area. VALOUR Field Officers will work closely with existing Armed Forces Champions and other similar posts operating at the local level and share insights and learning between local partnerships and a new VALOUR HQ. Field Officers will additionally share best practice across their networks, which may include training materials for front line staff as required.

In addition, VALOUR field officers will be supported in understanding the diverse needs of veterans-including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans by Veteran Services (VS), the MOD statutory service. VS have a wealth of experience in assessing and supporting service leavers, veterans, and their families in welfare-based case management.

VS will play a pivotal role supporting VALOUR, with their own field teams distributed across the UK. This MOD collaboration will ensure VALOUR field officers will be able to provide expert guidance and practical support to ensure that they are equipped to deliver inclusive and informed services to all veterans.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many veterans in Wiltshire accessed support through Op FORTITUDE in the last 12 months, and what assessment he has made of future needs.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Between 21 November 2024 and 21 November 2025, Op FORTITUDE has received 47 referrals in Wiltshire.

This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing. That is why we have committed an additional £12 million to ensure the continuation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme.

Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already supported over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing routine monitoring and data collection on neurodivergent Service Personnel, including those with conditions beyond Specific Learning Differences; and whether his Department plans to revise the guidance entitled JSP 822, Volume 7, to require such monitoring.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to a diverse workforce and regularly reviews both its policies and its data collection requirements on neurodiversity, however, there are no current plans to revise Joint Service Publication 822 Defence Direction for Training and Education (Volume 7, Specific Learning Differences) to specifically require monitoring of neurodiversity status.

As at 1 July 2025, two per cent of Serving UK Regular Armed Forces personnel had a read code for autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia entered into their electronic medical record. This figure is a minimum; if personnel have not discussed their condition with their military GP, they will not have a read code for the condition in their medical record.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department holds data on the proportion of neurodivergent service personnel.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to a diverse workforce and regularly reviews both its policies and its data collection requirements on neurodiversity, however, there are no current plans to revise Joint Service Publication 822 Defence Direction for Training and Education (Volume 7, Specific Learning Differences) to specifically require monitoring of neurodiversity status.

As at 1 July 2025, two per cent of Serving UK Regular Armed Forces personnel had a read code for autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia entered into their electronic medical record. This figure is a minimum; if personnel have not discussed their condition with their military GP, they will not have a read code for the condition in their medical record.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of information on birth care choices for expectant parents.

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

An assessment of the adequacy of the availability of information on birth care choices for expectant parents has not been made at a national level.

This information is managed by local trusts and must reflect the facilities that are available locally. Information on birth care choices must also be accompanied by personalised advice from a midwife or obstetrician.

It is expected that care is provided in line with national guidelines, such as guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE’s guideline on intrapartum care sets out the standard of intrapartum care, ensuring women and pregnant people receive safe, evidence-based information and support during labour and birth. It emphasises the role of healthcare professionals in supporting informed choice by providing clear information on the full range of birth settings and care options, enabling women to make decisions that reflect their preferences and needs.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to improve the recording of miscarriage in NHS services.

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

The risk of miscarriage is estimated at 15%, and there are approximately 100,000 to 150,000 miscarriages per year in the United Kingdom. However, due to lack of data on the earliest losses, the true figure could be higher at approximately 250,000 a year.

An update to digital record standards on maternity in March 2025 means that the National Health Service is now able to record the pregnancy outcome for any woman, including miscarriage, where they have been in contact with NHS maternity services.

NHS England is in the early stages of a new project to review the Maternity Services Dataset, and we will carefully consider miscarriage information as part of this work.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support retention within the maternity and neonatal workforce.

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

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals.

To support this ambition, the Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for modern employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace. They will provide a framework for leaders across the NHS to build a supportive culture that embeds retention.

Targeted retention initiatives for nurses and midwives have also been undertaken by NHS England and led by the Chief Nursing Officer, including: the introduction of a nursing and midwifery retention self-assessment tool; a national preceptorship framework; mentoring schemes; and strengthened advice and support on pensions and flexible retirement options.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to address variation in access to NHS-funded IVF treatment between integrated care boards.

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

The Government recognises that fertility treatment across the National Health Service in England is subject to variation in access. Work continues between the Department and NHS England to better understand NHS-funded fertility services and the effectiveness of these services. This work will take time to develop, and the Department is keen to ensure there will be stakeholder engagement during this process, beginning in the new year.

Funding decisions for health services in England are made by integrated care boards (ICBs) and are based on the clinical needs of their population. We expect ICBs to commission fertility services in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines ensuring equal access to fertility treatment across England.

NICE is currently reviewing the fertility guidelines and will consider whether its current recommendations for access to NHS-funded treatment are still appropriate. A consultation on revised guidelines was published on 10 September and closed on 21 October 2025.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has assessed the factors contributing to variation in intervention rates between NHS trusts.

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

The Department has made no specific assessment. Local National Health Service commissioners are responsible for planning healthcare services that meet the needs of their respective populations. NHS trust interventions will vary across services and in response to a range of local factors.

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