Written questions by Snowden.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what mechanisms are in place to ensure effective coordination between the (a) FCDO, (b) National Crime Agency and (c) Border Security Command in implementing sanctions against (i) people smugglers and (ii) their enablers.

The new regime has been established by this government to prevent and disrupt the operations of criminal gangs who smuggle people along dangerous migrant routes to attempt the channel crossing into the UK. This new regime boosts our ability to prevent, combat, deter, and disrupt irregular migration and hold smugglers and their enablers accountable.Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials engage in regular consultation with a range of key stakeholders, including the National Crime Agency and Border Security Command to ensure coordination, effectiveness and implementation.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the National Planning Policy Framework in delivering sustainable drainage.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 44742 on 22 April 2025.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to strengthen statutory requirements on developers to (a) deliver and (b) maintain sustainable drainage systems.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 44742 on 22 April 2025.

What recent discussions he has had with the Food Standards Agency on the regulation of imported protein (a) powders and (b) supplements.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the lead department for food safety, including food supplements. Local authorities, and district councils in Northern Ireland, are the enforcers of food law in their respective local authority areas. The FSA produces advice and guidance for businesses, local authorities and consumers.While food supplements, including those that are imported, are not required to receive pre-market approval before being placed on the United Kingdom market, there is a legal duty on businesses to only place onto the market food that is safe. The FSA provides guidance for businesses to aid legal compliance and provides clarity to local authorities in the form of a toolkit to help support enforcement.The FSA also provides advice for consumers on the consumption of food supplements containing caffeine, and it is currently working on general food supplements advice aimed at helping consumers consume supplements safely.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international students on the UK’s attractiveness as an international education destination.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What discussions she has had with the higher education sector on the potential economic impact of a levy on international student fees.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international student fees on the financial sustainability of UK universities.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What provisions will be made for children over 18 months who have missed the initial two-dose chickenpox vaccine schedule.

On 29 August, the Government announced plans to introduce chickenpox (varicella) vaccination into the routine childhood immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026. Eligible children will receive an MMRV vaccine during routine general practice (GP) appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.Eligibility will primarily be based on a child’s age on 1 January 2026, and not whether a child has previously received an MMR vaccine. The eligibility criteria, including which age groups will receive the vaccine, will be announced ahead of the programme launch.It is important that children continue to come forward for their vaccinations when they are due, including the MMRV vaccine when it is available.As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible. The National Health Service and GP practices send reminders to families of those who are not fully vaccinated, and will provide catch-up doses to children who have missed any jabs.Parents and carers can contact their GP surgery to check their child’s vaccination record and arrange a catch-up appointment, and details of vaccinations can also be found in a child’s Red Book.

What steps he is taking to support people with bladder and bowel control conditions in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire.

Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC) Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissions several community bladder and bowel/continence services across Fylde and Lancashire. These services consist of specialist nurses and allied health professionals, who work collaboratively with primary care, secondary care and wider community nursing services to ensure there is comprehensive support and end to end treatment pathways for residents of Lancashire and South Cumbria.Bladder and bowel services provide a holistic continence assessment, including routine observations, bladder scans and skin integrity checks, as well as reviewing past medical history, medication, mobility, carer support, and diet and fluid. They offer ongoing support and products for any bowel and/or bladder issues that are identified and may refer patients to specialist nurses for further support or district nurses for ongoing care. Self-care advice is always given, and independence is promoted during assessments, such as pelvic floor exercises for stress urinary incontinence, or bladder training and fluid intake advice for overactive bladder.LSC ICB has a dedicated programme of work supporting the transformation of core community services in line with the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, and bladder and bowel services are considered as part of the community transformation programme ensuring all residents of Lancashire and South Cumbria have access to evidence-based bladder and bowel care when and where they need it.The community services are aligned to acute National Health Service trusts. Where there needs to be surgical management or specialist input, this is generally presented through a routine referral to urology, gynaecology or gastroenterology services. All localities across LSC ICB provide these services. LSC ICB is continually reviewing and working towards transformation of clinical pathways and services to manage demand as closer to home as possible via specialist multi-disciplinary teams within the community.Across LSC ICB, there is also a urogynaecology programme that is developing the front-end of the gynaecology pathway for access to specialist women’s health physiotherapists rather than referrals direct to secondary care gynaecology services. This aims to reduce pressure in gynaecology services and to provide specialist assessments and treatments with reduced waiting times for patients.

Whether her Department plans to ringfence revenue generated from any proposed levy on international student fees for reinvestment into the skills system.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of the [potential impact of ground rents on the affordability of leasehold homes.

The government is committed to addressing unregulated and unaffordable ground rents and we will do this in legislation. We will set out further details on our detailed plans for existing ground rents in due course. Data on ground rents is collected as part of the English Housing Survey and published in the leasehold experience fact sheet. The latest publication found that 77% of leaseholders currently pay a ground rent with an average ground rent of £304. This publication includes information on ground rents by region. High ground rents which escalate rapidly create affordability issues both directly through the increased cost leaseholders face by also by making it harder for leaseholders to mortgage or sell their properties. In a 2023 survey undertaken by Propertymark, a leading membership body for property agents, 78 per cent of their members reported that a leasehold property with an escalating ground rent will struggle to sell, even if priced correctly.

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on (a) the proposed international student fee levy and (b) its potential implications for (i) education, (ii) research, (iii) skills and (iv) regional economies.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the number of young people taking up carpentry and joinery apprenticeships.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity.The rate of young people’s apprenticeship starts has fallen over the last decade and we want to re-balance the programme towards young people beginning their careers.As a first step, the department has introduced new foundation apprenticeships, an employment-based training offer that gives young people a route into careers in critical sectors, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills.The first seven foundation apprenticeships became available in August 2025, including a foundation apprenticeship in onsite trades which supports the development of onsite construction skills, including carpentry and joinery.These foundation apprenticeships will be underpinned by an employer incentive payment of up to £2,000 to contribute to the extra costs of supporting someone at the beginning of their career. This is in addition to the existing employer and provider payments for taking on younger apprentices.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international student fees on local (a) economies and (b) employment.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the level of demand for skilled carpenters in the housebuilding sector over the next five years.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 32067 on 3 March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the number of leaseholders currently paying ground rents above £250 per year.

The government is committed to addressing unregulated and unaffordable ground rents and we will do this in legislation. We will set out further details on our detailed plans for existing ground rents in due course. Data on ground rents is collected as part of the English Housing Survey and published in the leasehold experience fact sheet. The latest publication found that 77% of leaseholders currently pay a ground rent with an average ground rent of £304. This publication includes information on ground rents by region. High ground rents which escalate rapidly create affordability issues both directly through the increased cost leaseholders face by also by making it harder for leaseholders to mortgage or sell their properties. In a 2023 survey undertaken by Propertymark, a leading membership body for property agents, 78 per cent of their members reported that a leasehold property with an escalating ground rent will struggle to sell, even if priced correctly.

What estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international student fees on average revenue of universities.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a proposed international student fee levy on the ability of universities to support the NHS 10 Year Plan through health-related education and training.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a levy on international student fees on UK university-led Research and Development capacity.

In the Immigration White Paper, the government committed to exploring a levy on international student fees. At this stage, no decisions have been taken on the size or implementation of any proposed levy by DfE. As such, DSIT has not made any formal assessment on the impact of university led R&D. If implemented, the levy would ensure that revenue from international students is more widely shared, and their contributions felt throughout our communities. We are committed to engaging the sector on the design of any potential levy and want to understand specific concerns providers have as early as possible.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help ensure that advertising of protein powders on social media is (a) accurate and (b) age-appropriate for young audiences.

The Advertising Standards Authority regulates advertising in the UK across traditional forms of media and online. The UK Code of Non-Broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing, by the Committee for Advertising Practice, requires marketing communications to be legal, decent, honest and truthful. It includes rules on advertising to children, and on food, food supplements, and associated health or nutrition claims.Under the Online Safety Act, platforms likely to be accessed by children must protect children from harmful and age-inappropriate content including eating disorder content and content which encourages self-administering of harmful substances.