Written questions by Rosindell.

What steps he is taking to help detect coercion in women seeking abortions during remote (a) phone and (b) video consultations.

Safeguarding is an essential aspect of abortion care, and all providers are required to have effective arrangements in place to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, in compliance with the Department’s Required Standard Operating Procedures for the approval of independent sector places for termination of pregnancy in England. Providers must ensure that all staff are trained in recognising the signs of potential abuse and coercion in adult women, and know how to respond. This applies to remote phone, video, and in-person consultations.In addition, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published national safeguarding guidance for under 18 year olds accessing early medical abortion services, which will ensure that robust safeguarding processes are embedded across all abortion services. We expect all providers to have due regard to the RCPCH’s safeguarding guidance.

What steps he is taking to improve the defence of British undersea infrastructure.

The UK Government constantly monitors and assesses the security of critical underwater infrastructure, as part of a whole-of-Government effort involving multiple Departments, including the Ministry of Defence, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners. The Royal Navy plays a critical part in maintaining security within UK waters, deploying a variety of vessels and aircraft. RFA Proteus, the UK’s first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROS), is now operational and is using its leading-edge technology to monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest.

What steps he is taking with faith groups to support veterans.

Britain’s rich history and our links with Commonwealth countries mean our Armed Forces have always benefitted from the dedication of personnel from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Whether they be Christian or Hindu, Muslim or Sikh, Jewish or Buddhist, of any other faith or indeed not of any faith, it is the contribution, dedication, personal sacrifice and bravery of diverse individuals which keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We recognise that faith plays an important part in the lives of many veterans. This is reflected in the participation of representatives of a diverse range of faiths in the national act of Remembrance. The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, provides a reflective space for people from all walks of life to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost. Among the almost 400 memorials at the Arboretum are tributes to Sikh soldiers who served during the First World War, members of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, and those who work in the Royal Army Chaplains Department. In recent years there have been many expressions of interest from many diverse groups and communities interested in sponsoring a memorial at the site, including people wishing to recognise the contribution of Armed Forces personnel from the Caribbean and those of Muslim faith. Another example of support for faith groups is how the Government is exploring plans to deliver a Muslim War Memorial and recently ran a market engagement exercise to inform our thinking on delivery options. Muslim soldiers are among the many people who fought incredibly bravely throughout the World Wars alongside the British Army and Allied Forces and it is right that they’re respected and remembered for their vital contribution to our country.

Whether life insurance policies written in trust will be subject to taxation following the changes made to Inheritance Tax rules at the Autumn Budget 2024.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, from 6 April 2027 most unused pension funds and death benefits will be included within the value of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. No changes were announced to the taxation of life assurance policies written into trust.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with Indo-Pacific counterparts on the risks of increased geopolitical competition over island territories.

Geopolitical competition and its implications are a consistent and central focus of engagement with the UK's Indo-Pacific partners. The Foreign Secretary regularly engages with his counterparts in the region, including most recently with the Foreign Ministers of China, Japan, India and the Philippines.

Whether she plans to provide support to people affected by the inclusion of unused pension funds in Inheritance Tax calculations from April 2027.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, from 6 April 2027 most unused pension funds and death benefits will be included within the value of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. Estates will benefit from the normal nil-rate bands, reliefs, and exemptions available. For example, the nil-rate bands mean an estate can pass on up to £1 million with no inheritance tax liability, and the general rules mean any transfers to a spouse or civil partner are fully exempt from inheritance tax. Comprehensive guidance will be published in the normal way ahead of the changes coming into effect, which will support individuals in understanding the rules.

What steps he is taking to support the work of armed forces chaplains.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) value our Armed Forces Chaplains and are committed to supporting their work to provide spiritual support and guidance to Service personnel and their families, in times of war and peace. In addition to providing and maintaining faith, belief and worship spaces across the Defence Estate, the MOD funds continued professional development for chaplains including places on coaching courses, post-graduate courses in chaplaincy, attendance at annual retreats, spiritual conferences, and visits to a spiritual director. Chaplains are also able to access health and wellbeing resources available to all Service personnel which are designed to support mental and physical resilience.

If he will take steps to regulate third party sellers who sell dangerous toys on online marketplaces.

Legislation is clear that toys must be safe before being placed on the market. The Office for Product Safety and Standards, within my department, works to ensure retailers, online marketplaces and third-party remove unsafe toys from sale. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to reflect modern online supply chains. Government intends to use the Bill powers to create a proportionate regulatory framework where online marketplaces take steps to:ensure third-party sellers on their platforms comply with product safety obligations;prevent non-compliant products on their sites;provide appropriate consumer information; and,cooperate with regulators.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 38547 on China: Cook Islands, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of that strategic agreement on his negotiations on the proposed treaty with the Government of Mauritius on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Under the agreement we will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces. This will ensure the long term secure and effective operation of the base well into the next century.

What steps he is taking to improve defences against hypersonic missiles.

The UK continually reviews its approach to evolving threats, including hypersonic missiles, as part of wider plans for Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). We mitigate air and missile threats through a spectrum of activities including counter proliferation, arms control and deterrence as well as active and passive defences. Allied co-operation is key to addressing advanced threats and we are working with the USA and Australia on this topic through the AUKUS framework. In addition, we are investing in developing future defensive capabilities of tomorrow through our defence science and technology portfolio.Additional measures are under consideration as part of the Strategic Defence Review.

Whether he discussed the constitutional position of Northern Ireland with his Irish counterpart during the UK-Ireland Summit 2025.

The 2025 UK-Ireland Summit strengthened cooperation between the UK and Ireland, as set out in the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement. The constitutional position of Northern Ireland was not discussed at the Summit. In accordance with the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent upon which it rests, Northern Ireland will remain a part of the United Kingdom for as long as its people wish it to be.

What steps he is taking to reduce the cost of wholesale medications bought by the National Health Service.

The Department has well established mechanisms to control the level of spend on medicines. For example, the voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access, and growth, the statutory scheme for branded medicines to control their growth in sales, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s evaluations all ensure that spend on new medicines represents a clinically and cost effective use of National Health Service resources.The Government’s policy on generic medicines is to allow suppliers freedom of pricing for their products, relying on competition between suppliers and efficient purchasing by community pharmacies to deliver value for money for the NHS. However, this can mean that prices can fluctuate because of normal market forces, and can go up as well as down. Typically, this approach leads to some of the lowest prices of generic medicines in Europe.

What steps he is taking to improve the export licence process.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process. ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

What steps he is taking to help reduce the level of administration for companies applying for export licences.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process. ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

With reference to the Answer of 23 September 2022 to Question 51944 on Enforcement Conduct Board, if she will make it her policy to review the legal status of the Enforcement Conduct Board within two years of its operation.

The Government is committed to ensuring that there are fair and sustainable enforcement processes available to judgment creditors for the enforcement of judgment debts and fines. We also want to ensure that those facing enforcement action, particularly the most vulnerable in society, are treated fairly.The Government notes the findings of the 2023 review of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 and will set out the way forward shortly.The Government supports the important work undertaken by the Enforcement Conduct Board to ensure that people facing enforcement action are treated fairly. We are actively considering whether further legislation is required to ensure appropriate oversight of enforcement firms and enforcement agents using the Taking Control of Goods procedure.The Government will set out its approach in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to support people with Sickle Cell Anaemia.

Working under the UK Rare Diseases Framework, the Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as sickle cell anaemia.The National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme seeks to improve outcomes and the quality of life for those with sickle cell disorder. This programme has launched two-year emergency department bypass pilots to provide services for people requiring emergency care for an uncomplicated vaso-occlusive crisis. It also includes work to provide digital care plans across London and Manchester, to improve the safety of blood transfusions, as well as educational programmes, which include information on genetic counselling.In February 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved exagamglogene autotemcel (Casgevy) for use in the National Health Service in England through the Innovative Medicines Fund, and it is now available for eligible patients.

With reference to the Review of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees), published on 17 July 2023, when she plans to (a) (i) consult on the proposals and (ii) bring forward the legislative proposals outlined in that review and (b) bring forward legislative proposals to increase the fixed fees for High Court and non-High Court Fees.

The Government is committed to ensuring that there are fair and sustainable enforcement processes available to judgment creditors for the enforcement of judgment debts and fines. We also want to ensure that those facing enforcement action, particularly the most vulnerable in society, are treated fairly.The Government notes the findings of the 2023 review of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 and will set out the way forward shortly.The Government supports the important work undertaken by the Enforcement Conduct Board to ensure that people facing enforcement action are treated fairly. We are actively considering whether further legislation is required to ensure appropriate oversight of enforcement firms and enforcement agents using the Taking Control of Goods procedure.The Government will set out its approach in due course.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to provide sustainable funding to the British Transport Police.

The British Transport Police’s (BTP) budget is set independently by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) and the Department of Transport has no powers to intervene in this process. BTPA sets the BTP’s budget annually following proposals from the Force and views from industry. Set against a backdrop of wider public sector efficiencies and affordability by the rail industry it has agreed a budget increase for the financial year 2025/26 of 5.9%. This is comparable with the budget settlements of Home Office police forces. The cost of policing the rail network in Great Britain is primarily covered through the funding agreements that the British Transport Police Authority holds with Network Rail, the rail operators and Transport for London.

If she will make her policy that local authorities that employ an internal team of certificated enforcement agents to collect fees under the (a) Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2014 and (b) Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 must be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board.

The Government is committed to ensuring that there are fair and sustainable enforcement processes available to judgment creditors for the enforcement of judgment debts and fines. We also want to ensure that those facing enforcement action, particularly the most vulnerable in society, are treated fairly.The Government notes the findings of the 2023 review of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 and will set out the way forward shortly.The Government supports the important work undertaken by the Enforcement Conduct Board to ensure that people facing enforcement action are treated fairly. We are actively considering whether further legislation is required to ensure appropriate oversight of enforcement firms and enforcement agents using the Taking Control of Goods procedure.The Government will set out its approach in due course.

What steps he is taking to support export manufacturing.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting UK businesses, including those in the manufacturing industry, to grow and export. Under the umbrella of the recently announced Business Growth Service, UK businesses can access DBT's wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help UK businesses to export more.