Written questions by Jogee.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on increasing levels of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The UK remains in close and regular contact with the United States to jointly seek ways to get urgently-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. In April and May the Foreign Secretary, Secretary of State Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff discussed the urgent need for a full and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance. We continue to work closely with the US on the delivery of aid and medical support. Together with our international partners, we are calling on Israel to immediately allow the rapid, safe and unfettered resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with the National Fire Chiefs Council on the adequacy of mental health and wellbeing support for firefighters in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme, (b) Staffordshire and (c) England.

Government supports the work that the National Fire Chiefs Council is doing through its Wellbeing Board to assist services to drive positive improvements in mental health provision for their workforce. It is for fire and rescue authorities to work with their individual service to ensure that the right support is in place to meet local needs and circumstances. The Government does not assess the needs of individual or services or at national level.

Whether she has discussed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill with representatives of the Welsh Government.

The Secretary of State has not discussed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill with counterparts in the Welsh Government.The Government is neutral on the matter of assisted dying and the passage of the Bill.

What discussions she has had with her counterparts in (a) Southern African Development Community and (b) Carribbean Community countries on investment opportunities.

The Department for Business and Trade discusses a number of issues with partners across the Caribbean and the Southern Africa community aimed at increasing bilateral investment. In addition, the UK’s Trade Envoys for those regions will seek to develop high level relationships with key decision makers to help further increase trade and investment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Iraq.

The UK wants to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Iraq. In partnership with the Iraqi Government, we aim to counter threats and foster stability and development, while promoting UK interests and values. We are encouraged by this period of relative security stability in the country and will continue to work with Iraq and other regional partners to ensure this continues. With the transition of the Global Coalition Against Daesh's military mission, Operation Inherent Resolve, set for September this year, the UK is working at pace to implement new defence and security agreements with the Government of Iraq.Elections are due to take place in Iraq in November this year. We continue to monitor the election build-up and look forward to a free and fair election.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Libya.

We are deeply concerned by the recent violence in Tripoli and we are continuing to monitor developments closely. We welcome the truces that have been agreed, urge all parties to respect them unconditionally and work towards agreeing a permanent ceasefire. This latest unrest highlights the urgent need for a sustainable political solution. Libyan actors must take responsibility for peace and security by engaging constructively with the UN to achieve a Libyan-led political agreement. The UK remains committed to supporting the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and will continue engaging a broad range of political stakeholders to help build a more stable, democratic, and prosperous Libya.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to advance recognition of the State of Palestine since 20 May 2025.

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.

What recent steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to help increase job (a) creation and (b) retention in (i) industrial communities, (ii) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (iii) Staffordshire.

There is a strong ecosystem of skills and employment support, across Staffordshire and Newcastle -Under Lyme, co-ordinated through county, district and borough councils, in partnership with national government and not for profit organisations.The Department for Business and Trade offers a range of business support services which we will be building with measures being announced in the Small Business Strategy later this year. Our support helps businesses start, grow, invest, and export, creating opportunities across the country, including communities in Staffordshire and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Food and Rural Affairs, for what reasons wildfire warning signs have been installed on English moorland.

The decision to install signage has been made at a local level by Moors for the Future Partnership and Peak District National Park Authority.

What assessment she has made of the link between trends in the number of international students and the number of courses at universities.

This government’s position on international students is clear. We are committed to a United Kingdom that is outward looking and welcomes international students who make a positive impact on the UK’s higher education (HE) sector, our economy and society as a whole.The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects and publishes data on student enrolments across UK HE providers.Counts of student enrolments in UK HE providers by permanent address are published in Table 1 of HESA’s Student Data and can be accessed here: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/table-1.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to tackle livestock worrying in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

This Government recognises the distress livestock worrying can cause animals and their keepers. The Government is supporting a Private Members’ Bill which will amend and update the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. The Bill will modernise definitions and scope, strengthen police powers and increase the maximum penalty from a fine of £1,000 to an “unlimited” fine to act as a deterrent. The legislation will apply to England and Wales.

If she will meet with the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme to discuss the potential merits of a police station providing a 24-hour public reception in Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency.

Decisions about local resourcing and the police force estate, including police stations and their opening hours, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected, independent Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and experience.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of updates to the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on animal welfare standards at zoos.

The Government published new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on 24 May 2025. The Standards will come into force from May 2027 and will replace the current 2012 Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. The new Standards reflect the latest in best practice for keeping wild animals in zoos and aquariums.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to update the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain.

The Government published new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on 24 May 2025. The Standards will come into force from May 2027 and will replace the current 2012 Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. The new Standards reflect the latest in best practice for keeping wild animals in zoos and aquariums.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent engagement he has had with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Defra Animal Welfare Minister, periodically meets with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Most recently the Minister met both the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) at a visit to Chester Zoo on 22 May 2025, ahead of the launch of the new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain and also hosted an Animal Welfare Strategy development roundtable, which BIAZA attended. Defra officials also have regular meetings with BIAZA.

What recent steps she has taken to encourage youth democracy in schools in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Democracy forms a central part of the national curriculum for citizenship at key stages 3 and 4. Primary schools can choose to teach citizenship at key stages 1 and 2, following the non-statutory framework for citizenship.Schools have considerable flexibility to organise the content and delivery of their curriculum and enrichment programme, including to suit their local context. This can include providing opportunities for pupil participation in democratic processes, subject to schools meeting their obligations to ensure political balance.UK Parliament run educational tours for pupils, youth and community groups to see how Parliament works in action. UK Parliament also produce resources which can be downloaded or ordered for free, tailored to different age groups.The Department for Culture, Media and Sport funds the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) to support young people to engage in the democratic process. Every two years, the UKYP runs ‘Make Your Mark’, a youth vote open to all 11 to 18 year-olds in the UK, for them to be able to vote on what are the most important issues for young people.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken since 1 May 2025 to advance the implementation of a two-state solution to the crisis in the Middle East.

The UK's commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people and are regularly engaging Israelis, Palestinians and regional partners on this. On May 19, alongside France and Canada, the UK issued a joint statement expressing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. On May 20, the UK sanctioned Israeli individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions. The UK is also continuing to support the Palestinian Authority (PA) as it delivers its vital reform agenda. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution, and the UK is supporting the Palestinian Authority as delivers much-needed reforms.

Which Ministers attended the 4th Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Forum on 20 May 2025.

Details of Ministerial meetings are published quarterly in arrears on gov.uk.

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

The Lord Chancellor has appointed Dame Vera Baird DBE KC to carry out a thorough review of the operation of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, to increase public confidence in the organisation and the important work it undertakes investigating potential miscarriages of justice.

What recent steps she has taken to support universities with funding challenges.

To support universities in stabilising their financial positions, the Office for Students (OfS) will continue dedicating significant resources to ensuring the sector's financial sustainability. The department has appointed Professor Edward Peck as the substantive Chair of the OfS, where he will play a key role in strengthening this commitment while also expanding opportunities in higher education (HE).Additionally, we have made the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits by 3.1% for the 2025/26 academic year, aligning with inflation.The department will outline its plans for HE reform in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, set to be published this summer.