Written questions by Jogee.

What recent discussions he has had with the leadership of Skills England.

Awaiting answer.

How many staff will be working to the Armed Forces Commissioner.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the (a) development and (b) use of innovative technology in farming in Staffordshire.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help communities in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire restore nature.

Awaiting answer.

What recent progress she has made in strengthening national security.

National security remains the first duty of Government, and as the world continues to evolve, so too must our response. We face increasing challenges across a broad waterfront of threats, including states, terrorists and criminal actors, which the Government is tackling through new legislation, as well as increased funding and capabilities for our police and law enforcement agencies. As I set out in my statement to the House on 14th May, the terrorism threat in the UK has been gradually increasing, highlighted by the recently increased UK national threat level. We are equipping our police and intelligence agencies with the tools to respond, including through record funding. We have strengthened security at public events through Martyn’s Law. After the horrific terrorist attack at Golders Green, £25 million has been allocated to enhance policing and protect Jewish communities, bringing total protective security funding to £58 million this year. The online environment also poses challenges as an enabler of threat, and the forthcoming National Security Bill will introduce new offences to counter extreme violence online. The threat from foreign powers is also increasing in scale and complexity, undermining our security and democratic values. Legislation will be fast tracked in the coming weeks to introduce new proscription-like powers to clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states, including those who act as their proxies. We recently updated GOV.UK guidance on transnational repression. Alongside this the National Security Protective Authority launched guidance on 8 May. These documents provide practical advice for individuals who believe they may be at risk of transnational repression, including steps to help keep them safe both physically and online. The National Security Act continues to help deter and disrupt such activity, with recent convictions marking its first use in cases linked to China. As part of the National Security Act, we have launched the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. This is a major step in strengthening the UK’s defences against covert foreign influence and state threats. This Government takes national security extremely seriously and will not hesitate to act to protect the British people, promote British interests and make the country stronger, more sovereign, and more competitive in the long-term.

How many a) letters, b) emails and c) written communications were received by her Department from Newcastle-under-Lyme District Borough Council between i) December 2019 and July 2024 and ii) July 2024 and May 2026.

Awaiting answer.

What recent steps he has taken to increase the number of apprenticeships available to young people in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, how many a) letters, b) emails and c) written communications were received by his Department from Newcastle-under-Lyme District Borough Council between i) December 2019 and July 2024 and ii) July 2024 and May 2026.

Awaiting answer.

What recent steps she has taken to reduce factors that encourage migrants to arrive illegally.

Awaiting answer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her counterpart in the United States government regarding the development a of two-state solution to the war between Israel and Palestine.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to support the advanced manufacturing sector in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

The Government is backing advanced manufacturing through our Modern Industrial Strategy and the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, which supports innovation, skills, investment and the adoption of new technologies across the UK.Businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire can access national support on skills, finance, R&D and energy. Regional programmes include Made Smarter West Midlands, which helps manufacturing SMEs adopt digital tools and boost productivity, and the new specialist Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College at Newcastle & Stafford College Group.We will continue working with local partners to ensure businesses in these areas can access the support they need to invest, innovate and create good jobs.

What steps he is taking to support the creation of well-paid jobs in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

The Department for Business and Trade is supporting the creation of jobs and opportunities across the UK, including in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. We are doing this by supporting small and medium sized businesses to export, including developing a Business Growth Service to simplify finding the advice and support they need. We are also supporting high streets, developing the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and are investing in growth sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

What steps he is taking to help businesses in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire to increase exports.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting UK businesses, including those in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, to grow and export. DBT has integrated its support for businesses in a single, accessible place – the Business Growth Service. From tailored market advice and free Business Academy training to our on-the-ground network around the world, we are making it easier for businesses to seize export opportunities.UK Export Finance (UKEF) also has various products designed to support UK businesses. In December 2025, UKEF announced it had provided support to Staffordshire-based GE Vernova’s contract to supply equipment and services to construction of the Niğde Bor plant in Türkiye.

What steps his Department has taken to support energy intensive businesses in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire with energy costs.

The Department for Business and Trade manages two energy cost support schemes, the British Industry Supercharger and the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme, to support eligible energy-intensive industries with the indirect costs of emissions levies, and electricity policy and network costs. The Supercharger cuts electricity costs by approximately £65-87/MWh for around 550 businesses across the whole of Great Britain, including some of the most electricity-intensive firms in Staffordshire.From April 2027 the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will benefit over 10,000 manufacturing businesses reducing electricity costs by up to £40/MWh. The Government also announced an additional payment in 2027 to reflect the support eligible businesses would have received had the scheme been in operation earlier.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she has taken alongside her Arab counterparts to help protect residents in the West Bank from settler violence.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I gave at the last session of departmental oral questions on 21 April.

What steps he is taking to help increase the (a) volume and (b) value of trade between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the (a) effectiveness and (b) performance of the Rural Payments Agency.

Awaiting answer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she will take to help a) protect the lives of and b) support people living in the West Bank.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I gave at the last session of departmental oral questions on 21 April.

What steps he is taking to help increase the (a) volume and (b) value of trade between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to help increase the (a) volume and (b) value of trade between the United Kingdom and Jamaica.

Awaiting answer.