Written questions by Jogee.

What steps his department is taking to ensure that innovation in early detection and treatment technologies for heart valve disease is translated into timely and equitable patient access.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, wearables are one of the “big bets” for the future of the National Health Service. They are a powerful tool to support prevention, early intervention, and self-management of long-term conditions.By 2028, we aim to make remote monitoring for cardiovascular disease using wearables and connected devices a standard part of care.Our vision is for wearables to become routine in NHS care by 2035, from managing post-acute and chronic illness at home, to spotting early warning signs of disease.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact the Heraeus bone cement supply delays will have on the elective waiting time targets.

It is the responsibility of National Health Service systems to manage the bone cement supply delays in their local context. NHS England has been working closely with systems to manage the temporary supply disruption affecting certain Heraeus bone cement products. A letter was issued to systems in February 2026 and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/heraeus-medical-bone-cement-products/NHS trusts have reviewed and clinically prioritised their orthopaedic waiting lists to ensure available stock is safely and appropriately used, taking into account patient need, staff familiarity with alternative products, and local supply constraints. Where delays to planned joint procedures are unavoidable, trusts are expected to maintain transparent and timely communication with affected patients, so they remain fully informed about changes to their care treatment pathway.NHS England has advised trusts to make best use of any freed-up clinical capacity, including focussing on new outpatient activity, and strengthening clinical triage for patients waiting more than 18 weeks. These steps are intended to reduce the risk of knock-on effects for elective waiting time performance. Every effort is being made to sustain progress on Referral to Treatment performance while this temporary supply issue is resolved.

What steps are being taken to help keep patients informed of the delays to their joint surgeries due to Heraeus bone cement supply delays.

It is the responsibility of National Health Service systems to manage the bone cement supply delays in their local context. NHS England has been working closely with systems to manage the temporary supply disruption affecting certain Heraeus bone cement products. A letter was issued to systems in February 2026 and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/heraeus-medical-bone-cement-products/NHS trusts have reviewed and clinically prioritised their orthopaedic waiting lists to ensure available stock is safely and appropriately used, taking into account patient need, staff familiarity with alternative products, and local supply constraints. Where delays to planned joint procedures are unavoidable, trusts are expected to maintain transparent and timely communication with affected patients, so they remain fully informed about changes to their care treatment pathway.NHS England has advised trusts to make best use of any freed-up clinical capacity, including focussing on new outpatient activity, and strengthening clinical triage for patients waiting more than 18 weeks. These steps are intended to reduce the risk of knock-on effects for elective waiting time performance. Every effort is being made to sustain progress on Referral to Treatment performance while this temporary supply issue is resolved.

What assessment he has made of the risk that the revised Nutrient Profiling Model could reduce the availability of credible, lower-calorie alternatives within popular categories; and if he will set out safeguards to prevent that outcome.

The Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) is a tool that determines whether foods or drinks are ‘healthier’ and not high in saturated fat, free sugars, or salt, or foods and drinks that are ‘less healthy’ and high in saturated fat, free sugars, or salt. The new NPM, published on 27 January, more closely reflects United Kingdom dietary recommendations. Our analysis shows that it better identifies healthier products.The NPM is not about banning the sale of food and drink products or restricting reformulation. The aim is to stop the targeting of 'less healthy’ food and drink marketing to children and encourage further reformulation and the promotion of healthier options.We recognise the efforts business have made to provide healthier alternatives within popular food and drink categories. We consider that these can be built upon to cater for the increasing demand from consumers for healthier products. We are confident that industry can continue this journey and we will continue our engagement to support businesses to do this.

What progress has been made towards achieving universal access to Fracture Liaison Services by 2030, and what milestones his Department has set for Integrated Care Boards to reach this commitment.

Fracture liaison services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out fracture liaison services across every part of the country by 2030.Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of adopting the revised Nutrient Profiling Model on (a) product reformulation, (b) healthier product innovation and (c) investment in the UK food and drink sector.

As set out in our Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever. As part of this, the Government committed to updating the standards behind the restrictions on advertising ‘less healthy’ food or drink products on television before 9:00pm and online at any time, as well as the restrictions on the promotion of ‘less healthy’ food and drink products by location and volume price by applying the new Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM).The advertising and promotions restrictions currently rely on the outdated NPM 2004/05. The new NPM has been updated in line with the latest dietary advice from the United Kingdom’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, particularly in relation to free sugar and fibre. Applying it to the restrictions will strengthen these policies by bringing more products of concern for children’s health into scope.The Government published the new NPM on 27 January and launched a 12-week consultation on its proposed application to the advertising and promotions restrictions on 25 March. A consultation-stage impact assessment of the direct costs to businesses and intended health outcomes was published alongside. A final impact assessment would be published prior to amending the advertising and promotions restrictions legislation.

Whether he will commission technical guidance for industry on consistent measurement of free sugars to ensure compliance and enforcement can be undertaken fairly.

On 27 January, the Government published the new nutrient profiling model (NPM). This included associated NPM technical guidance to support businesses to understand the new NPM and apply it to their products and worked examples on how to calculate free sugars and NPM scores in a range of products.Since publication of the new NPM in January, we have been engaging closely with industry to address technical points relating to the new NPM and calculating free sugars. On 25 February, we participated in the development of the Institute of Grocery Distribution free sugars calculation roundtable, ahead of launching the consultation on applying the new NPM to the advertising and promotions restrictions on 25 March 2026.

What steps he is taking to support the Northern Ireland Executive with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Northern Ireland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.

Whether he has had discussions with the Minister for Communities in the Northern Ireland Executive on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann being held in Belfast.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.

What recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the global price of energy.

The Secretary of State is in regular contact with European counterparts on international oil and gas price developments. Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

What recent discussions he has had with his Arab counterparts on the global price of energy.

The Government continues to monitor the situation in oil and gas markets and work with our international partners. Since 28 February, the Secretary of State has engaged with several counterparts. Further calls with a range of international partners are planned over the coming days. Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the BBC regarding the decision not to air the Commonwealth Day service live.

The Secretary of State regularly meets with the BBC to discuss a range of issues. However, the BBC is editorially and operationally independent of the government and decisions regarding the coverage of the Commonwealth Day service are a matter for the BBC.

What recent discussions she has had with her US counterpart on sanctions on Russian oil.

The Chancellor continues to reiterate the UK’s commitment to placing economic pressure on Russia to end its illegal war on Ukraine. She regularly engages her US counterpart, including through joining a G7 Finance Ministers call on 9 March which discussed the current conflict in the Middle East.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the price of home heating oil in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households. The Secretary of State and The Minister for Energy have been closely engaging with their counterparts across Government on heating oil prices, including with the Treasury and Devolved Governments. These discussions have been focussed on UK-wide prices of heating oil. The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.For the most vulnerable households, £27m in support is being provided to England, which will be distributed by Local Authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Whether he has had discussions with the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern on the rising price of home heating oil.

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households. The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector. The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.

What discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues in relation to the rising price of home heating oil in Northern Ireland.

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households.The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.

What steps she is taking to support a) airlines and b) travel agents in ensuring the return of British citizens in the Middle East.

My Department and I have continued to engage with the aviation sector throughout the conflict to understand the impacts on their operations, plans for minimising disruption, and the support they are providing to their customers. This collaboration and engagement included Ministerial attendance at the Third Aviation Council meeting and direct engagement with all major UK airlines, airports and key foreign carriers. My Department and I have worked in tandem with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and airlines, to ensure that any British Nationals who wish to leave the region can, through both commercial routes and repatriation flights supported by the Government.

What support he is giving to local authorities in Staffordshire to take enforcement action against the sale of a) tobacco b) fruit flavoured vapes and c) alcohol to under 18s.

The Government is supporting local authorities to take enforcement action against the underage sales of tobacco, vapes, and alcohol.On tobacco and vapes, the Government is providing up to £10 million annually until 2028/29 for Trading Standards, to support the enforcement of illicit and underage sales in England. This funding is being used to boost the Trading Standards workforce by recruiting 120 new apprentices, including one apprentice in Staffordshire, enabling more underage sales test purchases and swifter enforcement action against illicit activity.Alongside this, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will introduce £200 fixed penalty notices in England and Wales for certain tobacco and vape offences, including underage sales, to empower Trading Standards to take swifter action to fine those who choose to break the law and sell to anyone underage, putting the public’s health at risk. The bill will also provide ministers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with regulation making powers to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products. This will strengthen enforcement against retailers who breach tobacco and vape age of sale regulations.On alcohol, the Home Office supports local authorities through the Licensing Act 2003 and Section 182 guidance, which require licensed premises to operate a mandatory age verification policy at the point of sale. Enforcement of underage sales rests with local licensing authorities, Trading Standards, and the police, who can prosecute, including for persistent sales, and seek licence reviews or revocation to protect children from harm.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will consider proscribing the IRGC.

Decisions on proscription are a matter for the Home Office.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the a) political and b) security situation in the Middle East.

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 2 March.