Written questions by Strickland.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Crown Prosecution Service's performance in the North East.

CPS North East is making measurable progress. In the twelve months to June 2025, CPS North East prosecuted 26,187 defendants with a conviction rate of 86.2%, which is comfortably above the national average of 82.9%. The below table provides details of the volume suspects charged by CPS North East and the charge rate as a proportion of all legal decisions: 202020212022202320242025 (Jan - Jun)Charges7,8106,5786,2437,2308,0363,943Legal Decisions10,8338,9518,0238,7989,9404,958Charge Rate (% of Legal Decisions)72.1%73.5%77.8%82.2%80.8%79.5%Data source: CPS Case Management Information System The following table provides the number of defendants convicted in the North East, the total number of defendants prosecuted and the conviction rate: 202020212022202320242025 (Jan - Jun)Completed Prosecutions21,08923,64021,92021,88924,63513,450Convictions17,76619,41018,23818,69421,19911,567Conviction Rate (%)84.2%82.1%83.2%85.4%86.1%86.0%Data source: CPS Case Management Information System

Representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church will take steps to improve the maintenance of Quarrington Hill Graveyard in County Durham.

The management of a churchyard that is legally open for further burials is the responsibility of the local Parochial Church Council. However the situation at Quarrington Hill Churchyard is complicated by it being situated on land subject to ongoing subsid...

Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the availability of grassroots sports facilities.

This Government recognises there is still a significant need for improved grassroots facilities across the UK, which is why we confirmed our continued support at Autumn Budget.The Government is committed to supporting grassroots facilities, which is why w...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support Ukraine.

In chairing the UN Security Council on 18 November, the Foreign Secretary made clear that UK support for Ukraine is ironclad. We have stepped up the delivery of vital military equipment, led the way in investing in Ukraine’s defence industrial base, and i...