Written questions by Jogee.

What recent steps she has taken to help reduce the number of shoplifting offences in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire

We are providing £5 million over the next three years to continue funding a specialist analysis team within Opal, the National Policing Intelligence Unit for serious organised acquisitive crime, to crack down on the organised gangs targeting retailers.We are also investing £2 million over the next three years in the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) which provides a resource for both police and businesses to learn, share and support each other to prevent and combat crime.Via the Crime and Policing Bill we will end the effective immunity for shop theft of and below £200 sending a clear message that any level of shop theft is illegal and will be taken seriously. Also included in the Bill is a new offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores.I chair regular meetings of the Retail Crime Forum, which brings together the retail sector, security providers and law enforcement agencies to ensure we understand the needs of all retailers promote collaboration, share best practice, and work collectively to tackle the serious issue of retail crime. This includes the development of a new strategy to tackle shop theft published by policing, retail sector representatives and industry as part of collective efforts to combat shop theft – Tackling Retail Crime Together.The strategy builds on previous progress made by police and retailers but provides a more comprehensive and intelligence-led approach to tackle all perpetrators of shop theft – not just organised criminal gangs.

What estimate he has made of the number of children and young people waiting for an ADHD assessment in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

There is, at present, no single established dataset that can be used to monitor waiting times for assessment and diagnosis for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for individual organisations or geographies in England. Although the data requested is not held centrally, it may be held locally by individual National Health Service trusts or commissioners.For the first time, NHS England published management information on ADHD waits at a national level on 29 May 2025 as part of its ADHD data improvement plan; it will soon release technical guidance to integrated care boards (ICBs) to improve recording of ADHD data, with a view to improving the quality of ADHD waits data and publishing more localised data in future.NHS England has established an ADHD taskforce which is bringing together those with lived experience with experts from the NHS, education, charity and justice sectors to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including in accessing services and support, with the report expected in the summer. NHS England has also captured examples from ICBs who are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services and is using this information to support local systems to tackle ADHD waiting lists and provide support to address people’s needs.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to increase access to the arts for people over the age of 60 in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Arts Council England is the DCMS arms-length body with responsibility for distributing arts funding. Arts Council England provides both Grant-in-Aid and lottery funding which supports a number of creative programmes and activities for older people across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. This includes project grants to music organisation Madula, who host weekly drum circles for older residents in the area to learn from international artists in a social environment. Castle Hill Creatives, a group of artists which provide events and exhibitions in Torrington have also worked with older and isolated people to create sculptural lanterns for the Stoke Lanterns event that took place in March 2025. Beyond project grants, Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places projects are designed to work on intergenerational projects with people across the area. In Stoke-on-Trent, this is run by Appetite and in Staffordshire Moorlands, projects are run by Outside.

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 Myanmar.

We continue to closely monitor and assess the political and security context in Myanmar and ensure this informs UK policy.In assessing the security and humanitarian access constraints, we have continued to prioritise delivering humanitarian aid mainly through local partners, to reach populations most in need, and have been clear at the UN Security Council on calling for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.Additionally, we continue to assess and call out the escalating conflict. In April, the UK supported a Human Rights Council Resolution calling for protection of civilians and all minorities and in May I called out the reported military airstrikes on schools and civilians' infrastructure.

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

As part of our continuous engagement at all levels with Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis on 10 May.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether a British High Commissioner has been appointed in all Commonwealth member states.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly reviews its overseas network to ensure it reflects UK foreign priorities and provides effective representation across the Commonwealth. All Commonwealth member states, except the UK, have a UK High Commissioner representation. This may be resident or non-resident High Commissioners. The UK has the UK Commonwealth Envoy based in the FCDO in London.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Canadian counterpart on trade.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with his new Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, on 30 May, and met with her in person on 6 June. On both occasions, they discussed a wide range of issues across our economic and security relationship. The Foreign Secretary looks forward to working with her closely in the future to deepen the vitally important UK-Canada relationship, including through strengthening our significant economic partnership.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of arts and culture on (a) society and (b) education in (i) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (ii) Staffordshire.

The government strongly believes in the benefits that the arts and culture can bring to the UK, both in terms of their social and economic impact. According to DCMS Economic estimates, the cultural sector contributed an estimated £35.0bn in 2023, accounting for 1.5% of UK GVA. Newcastle-under-Lyme currently has three National Portfolio Organisations (NPO) receiving public funding of almost £1.5 million per annum. In total, Arts Council England (ACE) funding to organisations and individuals in Staffordshire since 2024 is over £12 million. This includes a major award of £1.7m towards the restoration of Tamworth Castle, through the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND). An example of this positive impact is the ACE funded New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which delivers community programmes that are a strong example of how investment into creative infrastructure can benefit communities. Their ‘Tale Trail’ experience is a first introduction to the arts for 88% of the children who attend, with 87% of children attending the theatre’s programmes showing improved markers for school readiness. These positive outcomes are also reflected in the theatre’s work with dementia patients, with self-reported health ratings nearly tripling following interactions with the ‘Dementia and Creativity’ programme.ACE is also delivering Music Hubs, which are supported by Department for Education funding. Staffordshire Music Hub offers a wide range of instrumental lessons and access to rehearsal spaces for children and young people.DCMS is committed to promoting the culture of Staffordshire, including in its heritage buildings, ensuring these buildings serve the needs of local communities. Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded nearly £100 million to 760 projects across Staffordshire. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has identified Stoke-on-Trent as one of twenty places as part of their Heritage Places UK-wide initiative which aims to provide long term place-based investment that boosts pride in place and connects communities and visitors with heritage.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on steps to increase access to the arts for children and young people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

The Secretary of State has a range of discussions with Cabinet colleagues across the whole of her portfolio. DCMS officials regularly discuss access to the arts for children and young people with their counterparts across His Majesty’s Government including with the Department for Education. The government, through the recently announced Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy, has allocated £132.5 million in England towards youth. This will increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities in the arts, culture, sports and wider youth services, aimed at improving wellbeing and employability. In addition, our arms-length body, Arts Council England (ACE) coordinates public funding which supports a number of creative programmes and activities for children and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. This includes Shaw Education Trust’s ‘Young Curators’ programme, which gives high school students in Newcastle-under-Lyme the opportunity to learn hands-on about curation and host their own exhibitions in the local art gallery. Since 2024, ACE has invested nearly £8 million into programmes and projects in the Staffordshire region (excluding the Stoke-on-Trent City Council area) which have had a focus on children and young people. This figure includes almost £3 million of support for organisations in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to increase access to the arts for children and young people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire.

The Secretary of State has a range of discussions with Cabinet colleagues across the whole of her portfolio. DCMS officials regularly discuss access to the arts for children and young people with their counterparts across His Majesty’s Government including with the Department for Education. The government, through the recently announced Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy, has allocated £132.5 million in England towards youth. This will increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities in the arts, culture, sports and wider youth services, aimed at improving wellbeing and employability. In addition, our arms-length body, Arts Council England (ACE) coordinates public funding which supports a number of creative programmes and activities for children and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. This includes Shaw Education Trust’s ‘Young Curators’ programme, which gives high school students in Newcastle-under-Lyme the opportunity to learn hands-on about curation and host their own exhibitions in the local art gallery. Since 2024, ACE has invested nearly £8 million into programmes and projects in the Staffordshire region (excluding the Stoke-on-Trent City Council area) which have had a focus on children and young people. This figure includes almost £3 million of support for organisations in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to protect nature through her Department's housebuilding programme.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 is clear about the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity where it is affected by development and includes stringent protections for nationally designated sites and irreplaceable habitats. The implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain are helping to highlight opportunities to improve nature in conjunction with development, and to secure tangible contributions to biodiversity enhancements. The Nature Restoration Fund, introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, will provide further benefits where development could affect protected habitats and species, by enabling strategic improvements.

What estimate she has made of the number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire.

The House of Commons Library has published estimates at a constituency level for a variety of health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with further information available at the following link: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-data-how-healthy-is-your-area/ For the Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, this data shows an estimated prevalence of 2.45% for COPD. This is higher than the estimated prevalence for the West Midlands and England, with both having a prevalence of 1.85%. These figures are based on modelled estimates, derived from data published by NHS Digital in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) 2022/23. Integrated care board (ICB) level QOF data for the same 2022/23 period is available at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/quality-and-outcomes-framework-achievement-prevalence-and-exceptions-data/2022-23 This shows that for the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, the COPD register consists of 26,564 patients, and has a prevalence rate of 2.24%. The latest QOF data that has been published by NHS England is for the 2023/24 period, and is available at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/quality-and-outcomes-framework-achievement-prevalence-and-exceptions-data/2023-24This shows that for the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, the COPD register consists of 27,019 patients, and has a prevalence rate of 2.26%.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by Asthma Lung UK entitled Lung conditions kill more people in the UK than anywhere in Western Europe, published on 28 February 2022.

The report from Asthma + Lung UK highlights the relatively high mortality rate in the United Kingdom from lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It asks for better and faster diagnosis, new treatments, new technology, and more action on prevention. These are consistent with the Government’s policies and priorities.The Government has committed to delivering three big shifts that the National Health Service needs to be fit for the future: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention. All of these are relevant to improving respiratory health in all parts of the country.This will support earlier diagnosis, better joint working between services, and greater use of apps and wearable technology will all help people manage their long-term conditions, including respiratory conditions, closer to home. Earlier diagnosis of conditions will help prevent deterioration and improve survival rates. Taking action to reduce the causes of the biggest killers, such as enabling a smoke free generation through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, can further help prevent lung conditions.On COPD and asthma specifically, the NHS is investing in the provision of more and better rehabilitation services for respiratory patients. This has the objective of improving outcomes through early diagnosis including via spirometry tests, and through increased access to treatments.The NHS RightCare COPD pathway has been rolled out nationally and defines the optimal service for people with COPD. Furthermore, the National Respiratory Audit Programme aims to improve quality of care, services, and clinical outcomes for patients with asthma and COPD, by collecting and providing data on a range of indicators and pulmonary rehabilitation activity. A national programme of work is underway to support systems with improving access to Pulmonary Rehabilitation for the eligible population. Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective for people with COPD, improving exercise capacity or increased quality of life in 90% of patients who complete a programme.

What assessment he has made of the link between lung health and the adequacy of smoking cessation services in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire.

We are increasing our efforts to support smokers to quit and have invested an additional £70 million, this year and last, for local stop smoking services, in England. It is for local authorities to determine and commission the most appropriate stop smoking services for their area.No specific assessment has been made of the impact of stop smoking services on lung health in these areas. However, we have commissioned an independent evaluation of the impact of our additional funding to stop smoking services, in which we look at partnerships with health providers.There is also an established referral pathway between the NHS Targeted Lung Health Programme in University Hospital North Midlands and the local stop smoking service. The local NHS Targeted Lunch Health Check Programme also previously ran a pilot to offer smoking cessation support to patients through community pharmacies.

Whether he has discussed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill with his counterpart in the Welsh Government.

The Government remains neutral on the matter of assisted dying and the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The Bill remains a matter for the hon. Member for Spen Valley who, as its sponsor, leads on policy and engagement in relation to the Bill.Ministers in the Department have had no discussions about the Bill with counterparts in the Welsh Government.

What estimate he has made of the potential cost to the public purse of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

I refer the hon. Member to the impact assessment.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on the NHS budget.

I refer the hon. Member to the impact assessment.

Communities and Local Government, what recent steps she has taken to reduce the number of children living in temporary accommodation in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Homelessness levels are far too high, and this can have a devastating impact on those affected. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to deliver the long-term solutions to get us back on track to ending homelessness. The Government are already taking the first steps to get back on track to ending homelessness. We have increased funding for homelessness services across England by £233 million to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26. This will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation. Allocations, including those for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, have been published on gov.uk. The Government is also tackling the root causes of homelessness, including the delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the causes of homelessness in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Homelessness levels are far too high, and this can have a devastating impact on those affected. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to deliver the long-term solutions to get us back on track to ending homelessness. The Government are already taking the first steps to get back on track to ending homelessness. We have increased funding for homelessness services across England by £233 million to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26. This will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation. Allocations, including those for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, have been published on gov.uk. The Government is also tackling the root causes of homelessness, including the delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to use nuclear energy to support the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

The Government recognises the significant energy demands of advanced AI infrastructure and is exploring how this can be met through renewable power sources, including nuclear.In February this year, the Prime Minister announced significant reforms to accelerate the development of nuclear power infrastructure, including the Nuclear Regulatory Reform Taskforce which will oversee enhancements to the nuclear regulatory framework to facilitate the timely and efficient development of nuclear projects.DSIT is working closely with DESNZ and NESO to align AI energy demand with future energy planning and long-term sustainability, including the potential role of nuclear in supporting these objectives.The AI Energy Council, co-chaired by the Secretaries of State for DSIT and DESNZ, will explore clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure, including small modular reactors and next-gen renewables, to ensure our AI ambitions align with the UK’s net zero goals.