Written questions by Jogee.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her European counterparts about the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers given on this issue by the Foreign Secretary and myself at the most recent sessions of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office oral questions on 3 March and 21 April, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and fourteen of her overseas counterparts on 24 December 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-israeli-settlement-expansion-in-the-west-bank.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the cleanliness of Lough Neagh.

We are closely engaged with our counterparts across the UK, including the Northern Ireland Executive, on the shared challenge of improving water quality. Baroness Hayman visited Lough Neagh with Minister Muir in March 2025 to see and discuss the particular challenges faced locally. Ministers from across the UK subsequently met in November 2025 at the Interministerial Group for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to discuss the challenge of improving our waters, agreeing to establish enhanced sharing of research data and behavioural change evidence to support policy making and delivery across the UK.

What steps he will take to allow Members to vote by proxy if a family member is dying or has died.

The Government is always seeking to ensure that the balance is right and that we retain a robust voting system. Any changes to the voting system must be given careful consideration and should only ever be taken forwards when there is a clear consensus for change across the House.The Procedure Committee has committed to conducting a further review of the proxy voting scheme later in the Parliament, and I would encourage the Hon. Member to engage with the Committee when it undertakes that work. Should the Committee consider the further extension of the proxy voting scheme as part of that review, the Government would give careful consideration to any recommendations from the Committee on this matter.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent engagement her Department has had with SADC Heads of Mission to the United Kingdom about Trophy Hunting.

The Department’s most recent engagement with a number of SADC State representatives on trophy hunting was a meeting held by Baroness Hayman in May 2025 to discuss the Government’s commitment to banning the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern.

What steps he is taking to maintain the level of the state pension in real terms for pensioners in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Ensuring a decent State Pension for pensioners as a foundation for a secure retirement is a priority for this Government. The Government is committed to protecting the value of the State Pension in real terms. That is why, for the duration of this Parliament, we have committed to maintaining the Triple Lock, which increases the basic and new State Pension each year by the highest of earnings growth, price inflation or 2.5 per cent. This ensures that pensioners’ incomes keep pace with the cost of living and benefit from rising wages. In addition, Pension Credit is uprated in line with earnings, providing extra protection for pensioners on the lowest incomes. This year, the State Pension increased by 4.8%, boosting incomes for over 12 million pensioners.

What discussions she has had with her European counterparts on the potential impact of jet fuel shortages on travel between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.

The Government is monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel supplies, including jet fuel. In coordination with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero we have worked with fuel suppliers, airlines and airports to understand levels of jet fuel and pricing.Officials are engaging with international counterparts to monitor the situation and plan accordingly and are keeping Ministers briefed as necessary.

What discussions she has had with a) the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and b) members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the potential impact of jet fuel shortages on travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Government is monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel supplies, including jet fuel. In coordination with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero we have worked with fuel suppliers, airlines and airports to understand levels of jet fuel and pricing. Officials are engaging regularly with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive and keeping Ministers briefed as necessary.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the a) deterrents and b) sentences issued to repeat offenders.

Prolific offenders represent nearly 10% of offenders but account for just over 50% of all sentences. That clearly cannot continue. Their offending, while not high harm, hurts local communities through shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the courts and parliament has provided the courts with a broad range of sentencing powers to deal effectively and appropriately with offenders. When deciding what sentence to impose, courts must consider the circumstances of the case, including the culpability of the offender, the harm they caused or intended to cause, and any aggravating and mitigating factors. The courts also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales.Previous convictions are a statutory aggravating factor, with sentencing guidelines being clear that sentencers must consider the nature and relevance of previous convictions, and the time elapsed since the previous convictions. For more serious prolific offending, we are clear that custody has a crucial role to play as a robust backstop, within the maximum penalties set out in statute.The Sentencing Act 2026 introduced a presumption to suspend short sentences of 12 months or less. Around 60% of adults sentenced for under a year reoffend within 12 months, whereas the evidence shows that those given a community order or suspended sentence reoffend less than similar offenders given a short prison sentence. We are following the evidence to reduce crime, leading to fewer victims and safer communities. Short prison sentences will continue to be available where an offender has breached a court order, including breaching the requirements of a previous suspended sentence order or committing a further offence, as well as where an individual is at significant risk of harm and in exceptional circumstances.There are a range of tools in the community available to tackle prolific offenders. Integrated Offender Management (IOM) sees joint management of the most persistent and problematic neighbourhood crime offenders by probation, police, and other partnership agencies providing cross-agency supervision and support. Our new approach on Intensive Supervision Courts will impose tough measures that address the causes of prolific offending.We are investing up to £700 million in probation and community services by 2028/29 to help rebuild the Probation Service to deliver a strong, professional service at the heart of the criminal justice system. We will continue to work with cross government partners and police forces to consider new ways of targeting and focusing on persistent and prolific offenders.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent changes in the cost of fertiliser on farmers in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

The fertiliser market is a global market, and while there is no immediate risk to UK supply, the market price in the UK is strongly influenced by international prices for fertiliser and by the value of the pound. The current situation and impacts on farmers in particular, and industry more widely, of current rising fertiliser prices are being monitored closely. Defra has asked the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to increase the frequency of its fertiliser price reporting and this data is now being published on a weekly basis. This will give farmers more timely and transparent information to support their decision-making. Defra has also issued a fertiliser survey aimed at farmers and land managers to help build better understanding of direct impacts. Defra will continue to engage with industry and farmers to understand any potential pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Ofcom's powers.

The adequacy of Ofcom’s powers is kept under review. For example, the Mobile Market Review call for evidence launched in February 2026 will enable the government to ensure that our policy and regulatory framework supports the sector. And, for example, Ofcom has strong and extensive powers under the Online Safety Act, including the ability to request information, investigate non‑compliance and fine companies up to 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue. Recently, the Government strengthened Ofcom’s role under the Online Safety Act by making intimate image abuse and cyberflashing priority offences, placing clear duties on platforms to prevent this content and reinforcing Ofcom’s oversight of compliance.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Staffordshire in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Co. Londonderry in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken on the roll out of the Animal Welfare Strategy for England.

The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out the priority issues we will address, focusing on the changes and improvements we aim to achieve by 2030. Policies will be delivered throughout this time. The Government has already launched consultations on phasing out cages for laying hens and improving lamb welfare, which closed on 9 March. It is now considering the responses received. On 26 March, Defra also launched a consultation seeking views on how best to deliver an effective and enforceable ban on trail hunting in England and Wales and any potential social, community, economic, business or environmental impacts. Defra has also published the results of the previous government’s call for evidence on the fur trade as well as the Animal Welfare Committee’s opinion on the responsible sourcing of fur and published the Post-implementation review of the Welfare at Time of Killing Regulations. Other commitments in the strategy will be taken forward in a phased approach to keep up momentum on improving the lives of millions of animals.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Co. Tyrone in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Co. Antrim in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Yorkshire in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Buckinghamshire in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Pembrokeshire in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Co. Down in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.

How many honours were awarded to people (a) living and (b) working in Co. Armagh in each of the last five years; and what the level of each award was.

Transparency data is published alongside each New Year Honours List and King’s Birthday Honours List, giving an individual breakdown of recipients' names, level of award, their short citation and the city and country in which their correspondence address was located. Transparency data for each Honours List in each of the past five years can be found on gov.uk using the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/honours-reform-and-operation#honours-lists The Cabinet Office does not collect home or work addresses for honours recipients; the information published reflects the correspondence address provided by recipients. This data relates only to the main Prime Minister’s List and does not include data from the Defence List or the Overseas and International List, which are not administered by the Cabinet Office. Honours are awarded on merit basis. A key aim of the honours system is to ensure that it is more representative of the country as a whole and we will continue to encourage more nominations from every corner of the UK in future honours lists.