Written questions by Jogee.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with members of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands.

I am in regular dialogue with members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and most recently held a video conference with MLAs and the Governor on 18 September. I have also met MLAs visiting the UK in person over recent months, and look forward to further such meetings during the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council in November.

When his Department plans to publish a trade strategy.

We intend to publish the Trade Strategy in the Spring.The Trade Strategy will focus on the ways that trade is changing and how the UK can take a forward-facing approach to drive economic growth. It will be consistent with the Government’s Industrial Strategy and Small Business Plan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which candidate to be the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth the UK will support.

The decision on appointing the Commonwealth Secretary-General remains a matter for all members by consensus. The UK looks forward to working with the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Whether he plans to consult with (a) civil society and (b) the representatives of workers over (i) active and (ii) prospective free trade agreement negotiations.

Economic growth is the first mission of this government and Free Trade Agreements have an important role to play in achieving that, alongside other levers of trade policy. The Department for Business and Trade deeply values the views of civil society and the representatives of workers. We seek their input, alongside the input of business and the public, through the public consultations that have been conducted before each negotiation begins, and in continuous engagement with ministers and officials throughout the lifecycle of a negotiation. The input we receive feeds into our negotiating objectives, to ensure we strike agreements that deliver growth for the public.

Whether he plans to take steps to ensure Parliament has greater oversight of the UK’s trade negotiations.

The Government is committed to supporting parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s trade agreements, balancing the need for robust scrutiny with the need to ensure we can negotiate effectively in the UK’s best interests. The Department for Business and Trade is currently considering scrutiny arrangements for trade agreements, to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Whether she plans to bring forward a motion to allow the UK Youth Parliament to debate in the House of Commons Chamber.

The use of the Chamber by the UK Youth Parliament requires the agreement of the House of Commons. I would be happy to bring forward a motion to facilitate this in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of a screening programme for prostate cancer on patient outcomes.

Screening for prostate cancer is currently not recommended by the UK National Screening Committees (UK NSC). This is because of the inaccuracy of the current best test, the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). A PSA-based screening programme could harm men, as some of them would be diagnosed with a cancer that would not have caused them problems during their life. This would lead to additional tests and treatments which can also have harmful side effects, for example incontinence of faeces and urine, and impotence.The UK NSC is undertaking an evidence review for prostate cancer screening and plans to report within the UK NSC’s three-year work plan. The evidence review includes modelling the clinical cost effectiveness of several approaches to prostate cancer screening, including different potential ways of screening the whole population from 40 years of age onwards and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 1094 on Air Pollution, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of a national public awareness campaign on the health impacts of air pollution.

We recognise the importance of raising awareness of air pollution and associated health impacts. In addition to our commitment to deliver a new Clean Air Strategy, we are undertaking a review of how we communicate air quality information to ensure members of the public, and vulnerable groups in particular, have what they need to protect themselves.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to appoint an Ambassador to the United States.

The appointment of the next HMA Washington has not been decided. An appointment will be made in due course.

What discussions he has had with the haulage industry in Northern Ireland about barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain

I and the Minister for the Cabinet Office engage regularly with representatives from a wide range of industries involved in the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. On Monday 29 July, the Minister for the Cabinet Office met with representatives from the haulage industry at a roundtable with the Northern Ireland Brexit Business Working Group.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact on patient outcomes in (a)Newcastle-under-Lyme, (b) Staffordshire and (c) England of introducing a screening programme for prostate cancer.

Screening for prostate cancer is currently not recommended by the UK National Screening Committees (UK NSC). This is because of the inaccuracy of the current best test, the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). A PSA-based screening programme could harm men, as some of them would be diagnosed with a cancer that would not have caused them problems during their life. This would lead to additional tests and treatments which can also have harmful side effects, for example incontinence of faeces and urine, and impotence.The UK NSC is undertaking an evidence review for prostate cancer screening and plans to report within the UK NSC’s three-year work plan. The evidence review includes modelling the clinical cost effectiveness of several approaches to prostate cancer screening, including different potential ways of screening the whole population from 40 years of age onwards and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.

What steps his Department is taking to include provisions on workers' rights in the negotiation of free trade agreements.

The UK will continue to work internationally to strengthen workers’ rights and enhance labour standards globally. The Government will protect our labour standards in new trade agreements. The UK has chapters on labour in FTAs with Australia and New Zealand, and within CPTPP, and labour provisions as part of trade and sustainable development chapters in a range of other agreements.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of removing VAT from defibrillator sales in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme, (b) Staffordshire and (c) England.

The Government currently provides VAT reliefs to aid the purchase of defibrillators. For example, when an AED is purchased with funds provided by a charity and then donated to an eligible body no VAT is charged. Furthermore, all state schools in England have been fitted with AEDs. VAT is the UK's second largest tax forecast to raise £176 billion in 2024/25, and taxation is a vital source of revenue which helps to fund public services. Tax breaks reduce this revenue and must represent value for money for the tax payer. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any VAT reliefs to the consumer.

Whether he plans to return money the Government (a) has received and (b) will receive from the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme to mineworkers in (i) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (ii) Staffordshire.

Pursuant to my answer to PQ UIN 5215 of 18 September 2024, our Manifesto committed to reviewing the surplus sharing arrangements and transferring the Investment Reserve back to scheme members. We are committed to ending the injustice of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme and work on delivering these commitments is already underway.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help tackle violence against women and girls in (a) Uganda and (b) East Africa.

The UK is committed to addressing violence against women and girls both in Africa and elsewhere. A pioneering UK-funded programme that reduced gender-based violence by half is now being scaled up through a new £67 million global investment, including in East Africa. Additionally, the UK is investing £35 million in the Africa-Led Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation programme. The UK is also partnering with the UN to prevent and respond to child marriage, with activities in Uganda.

Whether he plans to tackle (a) poor indoor air quality and (b) its impact on the health and wellbeing of people in (i) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, (ii) Staffordshire and (iii) England.

Air pollution has reduced significantly since the 1980s, but remains one of the most significant environmental risks to public health in the United Kingdom. Improving the environment in which we live, work, and play is critical to supporting people to live longer, healthier lives. The Department continues to work collaboratively across Government on ways of improving both indoor and outdoor air quality.The UK Health Security Agency supports the development of evidence on the health impacts of indoor air quality on health. Its Cleaner Air Programme includes efforts both to build the evidence base and to raise awareness of indoor air quality and its health impacts, especially in settings such as homes, schools, and public places.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has also published guidance on indoor air quality at home, designed to raise awareness of the importance of good air quality in people's homes and advise on how to achieve this. We will continue to work across Government on air quality as part of the Health Mission.

When the Prime Minister plans to hold the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions.

The first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions took place on Friday 11 September, convening regional Mayors from across England and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. This first Council focused on investment and growth, ahead of the International Investment Summit. It was a key step in forging new partnerships across all levels of government, to ensure that all parts of the UK can secure, and benefit from, long term investment. This investment will increase economic growth and raise standards of living across the UK.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to introduce 10-year funding settlements for research institutions.

The Government has committed to setting ten-year budgets for certain R&D activities, where long-term investment will better support the ability to form partnerships with industry, build and develop skills and talent, and foster international collaborations to allow us to stay at the forefront of global innovation. Decisions on ten-year budgets will be made in due course.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme in England and Wales was reformed in 2022 to provide more rebates automatically. It currently focusses support towards those on lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and living in a property estimated to be relatively high cost to heat. The eligibility criteria are set to make best use of the data available to identify households at greatest risk of fuel poverty. In winter 2023/24 the WHD scheme delivered rebates to 3.14 million households in Great Britain. This represents an increase of around 646,000 households receiving rebates and an increase of around £97 million of support, compared to 2022/23. Since the scheme began in 2011, over £4 billion in support has been provided to households. This winter’s scheme was launched today, 14 October, and we expect it again to support over three million households. We are exploring options to improve the design of the scheme beyond the current regulations which expire in 2026.

If she will take steps to ensure that improving respiratory health of people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, (b) Staffordshire and (c) England is central to the NHS Long-term Plan.

The Ten Year Health Plan will consider the change needed to meet the three health mission goals: a fairer system where everyone lives well for longer; a National Health Service that is there when people need it; and fewer lives lost to the biggest killers, including respiratory diseases. We will carefully consider policies with input from the public, patients, health staff, and our stakeholders as we develop the plan.