Written questions by MacNae.

Whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals to automatically limit a surviving parent's parental responsibility over their child in cases where one parent has unlawfully killed the other.

Section 18 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 provides that where one parent kills the other, the Crown Court will be required to restrict the exercise of their parental responsibility for any children they shared at the point of sentence.The measure will protect children and shield carers from the further distress that might come with making an application to restrict the exercise of parental responsibility at what will already be the most difficult of circumstances. We are now working with key partners including Local Authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Police Chief’s Council and HMCTS, ahead of commencement, to establish the best system for this change. This includes developing any relevant changes to the criminal and family procedure rules as well as broader guidance for practitioners and families.

Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 7.17 of the Ofcom consultation paper entitled Listed events: Implementing the Media Act, published on 13 June 2025, whether she plans to take steps to help support public service broadcasters to acquire listed events.

While the Government wants to see sporting events of national interest shown on free-to-air so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience, decisions made around the coverage of specific listed events are commercial ones made between public service broadcasters (PSBs) and the rights holders independent of Government.We recognise that the media landscape is going through a period of rapid change which means both challenges and opportunities for our PSBs.We will support PSBs by building on Ofcom’s Public Service Media review and take action to support them, as we set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 7.17 of the Ofcom consultation paper entitled Listed events: Implementing the Media Act, published on 13 June 2025, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the growth of digital platforms on the listed events regime.

While the Government wants to see sporting events of national interest shown on free-to-air so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience, decisions made around the coverage of specific listed events are commercial ones made between public service broadcasters (PSBs) and the rights holders independent of Government.We recognise that the media landscape is going through a period of rapid change which means both challenges and opportunities for our PSBs.We will support PSBs by building on Ofcom’s Public Service Media review and take action to support them, as we set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to improve the access of zoos to European Conservation Breeding Programmes as part of negotiations with the European Union on veterinary (a) sanitary and (b) phytosanitary agreements.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to establish a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Area. This initiative is aimed at reducing trade barriers to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods, including zoo animals, while maintaining high standards of biosecurity. With the principles and framework of the SPS agreement now agreed, detailed negotiations will commence. These discussions will focus on streamlining SPS checks and certification processes, with the aim of reducing administrative burdens where possible, while safeguarding the UK’s biosecurity. Ministers and officials from Defra are actively engaging with the zoo and wildlife sector to understand its specific challenges and priorities. This ongoing dialogue will ensure that the sector’s needs are considered throughout the negotiation process, as we work to secure the best possible outcome that supports participation in vital conservation efforts.

What steps he is taking to support small and medium-sized bicycle manufacturers.

Small and medium-sized bicycle manufacturers are important for our green growth ambitions. Through the Government’s Industrial and Trade Strategies, we’re backing innovation, sustainability and skills development to help businesses scale, compete globally and continue driving forward the UK’s cycling economy.The upcoming Business Growth Service (BGS) aims to streamline the process for businesses across the UK to access the support they need to grow. The Department will continue to engage with the industry on key issues moving forward.

What steps his Department is taking to prevent sudden and unexplained deaths in children.

We recognise the devastating impact of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) on affected families and communities, and the importance of raising awareness of SUDC among relevant professionals, communities, and parents. Information on SUDC is available on the National Health Service website, which also signposts to the charity SUDC.UK. This can be accessed at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sidsAdditional information for parents on SUDC is available in the form of the booklet, When a Child Dies. The Healthy Child Programme plays an important role in supporting child health, wellbeing, and parenting confidence. This work is undertaken alongside partners to ensure that health messages are promoted across services.The Department funds health and care research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) who work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR welcomes proposals for research into a range of conditions, including SUDC, with further information available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topic

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of implementing recommendation 6 of the National Child Mortality Data's report entitled Sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy and childhood, published in December 2022.

We recognise the devastating impact of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) on affected families and communities, and the importance of raising awareness of SUDC among relevant professionals, communities, and parents. Information on SUDC is available on the National Health Service website, which also signposts to the charity SUDC.UK. This can be accessed at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sidsAdditional information for parents on SUDC is available in the form of the booklet, When a Child Dies. The Healthy Child Programme plays an important role in supporting child health, wellbeing, and parenting confidence. This work is undertaken alongside partners to ensure that health messages are promoted across services.The Department funds health and care research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) who work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR welcomes proposals for research into a range of conditions, including SUDC, with further information available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topic

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 44127 on Listed Events, when she plans to set out her Department's position on the inclusion of on-demand rights in the Listed Events regime.

I refer my Honourable Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 April 2025 in response to Question 44127.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of selling (a) on-demand and (b) linear rights together for each event listed in the Listed Events regime.

The Department’s assessment is that, in the current market context, there continue to be strong incentives for rights holders to sell on-demand and linear rights together. However, we recognise this may not always remain the case and we will continue to monitor this market.

When she expects to receive advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on the classification of ketamine.

In January this year, the Government asked the independent statutory advisory body, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to provide an updated assessment of the harms of ketamine, including whether it should be reclassified to become a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The ACMD is independent of Government and provides a broad range of recommendations, including advice on legislative changes.In March, the ACMD published its work programme for 2025. The programme sets out the ACMD’s intention to complete its ketamine assessment by the end of Autumn this year. When the council provides its advice, the Government will consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of free-to-air sports broadcasting on levels of (a) physical activity and (b) participation in grassroots sports.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring free-to-air access to sporting events of national interest so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience and can inspire more people to be physically active and participate in grassroots sport. The Government believes that the current list of events works well and that it strikes an appropriate balance between access to sporting events and allowing sports to maximise broadcasting revenue.

When he plans to publish the outcome of his Department's closed consultation entitled The licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England, which closed on 28 October 2023.

The Government is committed to taking action to address longstanding concerns about the safety of the cosmetics sector, and is exploring options for further regulation in this area. We will set out the details of our approach in our response to the consultation on the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England, which we will publish as soon as possible.

Media and Sport, what steps she has taken to consult the public on whether the scope of the listed events regime should be extended to include (a) digital and (b) on-demand content.

As viewing increasingly shifts from traditional broadcasting to a variety of online and on-demand formats, the Government is keen to ensure that key sporting events remain available for people to watch for free in years to come.The current ‘Listed Events’ regime only covers linear coverage rights. While we are fortunate that on-demand and linear rights continue to be sold together, and therefore jointly benefit from the protections afforded by the regime, the Government is conscious that this may not always remain the case.The Government will set out its position on the inclusion of on-demand (or “digital”) rights in due course.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the listed events regime on levels of participation in grassroots sport.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring free-to-air access to sporting events of national interest so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience and can inspire more people to be active and participate in grassroots sport. The Government believes that the current list of events works well and that it strikes an appropriate balance between access to sporting events and allowing sports to maximise broadcasting revenue.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changing viewing habits on the relevance of the Listed Events regime as a means of ensuring (a) the wide and (b) free availability of key national sporting moments.

As viewing increasingly shifts from traditional broadcasting to a variety of online and on-demand formats, the Government is keen to ensure that key sporting events remain available for people to watch for free in years to come.The current ‘Listed Events’ regime only covers linear coverage rights. While we are fortunate that on-demand and linear rights continue to be sold together, and therefore jointly benefit from the protections afforded by the regime, the Government is conscious that this may not always remain the case.The Government will set out its position on the inclusion of on-demand (or “digital”) rights in due course.

What assessment she has made with the Secretary of State for Transport on the potential impact of safe walking and cycling routes on rates of economic inactivity.

The Department has carried out an evidence review of the economic impacts of transport interventions that includes evidence on economic inactivity. The research shows a positive relationship between investing in transport and employment in the surrounding areas, but further research is required to measure the effect on economic inactivity. Active Travel England is delivering a national active travel evaluation that will seek to include a proportionate assessment of the impact of active travel investment on employment. On 12 February, Active Travel England announced £291 million of funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling across England. It is estimated that the infrastructure funded will lead to 43,000 fewer sick days a year and contribute £9 million every year to the economy by supporting local businesses and making it easier to walk and cycle to work.

If she will make an assessment of (a) the potential merits of establishing a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in the UK and (b) the length of time it would take to establish such a commemorative day.

This Government is committed to supporting victims and survivors of terrorism and understands that recognition and remembrance is an important part of their recovery.There is currently no single focal point for the nation to come together in reflection and remembrance of those sadly lost and impacted by terrorism.That is why, on Wednesday 19 March 2025, the Government launched a 12-week public consultation on a National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, helping the country to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or impacted by terrorism.The consultation invites the public, including those affected by terrorism, to share their views around introducing a National Day, and ways it could be commemorated.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of active travel on levels of physical inactivity; and if he will take steps to publish a physical activity strategy.

The Department’s recent cycling and walking evidence review confirms the positive impacts on reducing levels of physical inactivity. Our evidence shows that integrating physical activity into daily routines through active travel can lead to substantial health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions. The Department of Health and Social Care is currently working with the Department for Transport and Active Travel England on an evidence review, which will further examine active travel’s effects on mental health, physical health, and health inequalities, as well as effective behaviour change techniques. Findings are expected by late-2025 to inform future policy.Whilst there are no plans to publish a specific physical activity strategy, addressing levels of physical inactivity will be a key part of the shift from treatment to prevention, as part of the Health Mission. Department officials work closely with colleagues across Government and the National Health Service to enable and deliver interventions that support this aim.

Media and Sport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State of 4 November 2024 on Olympic and Paralympic Games: Team GB, HL Deb, c1307, what her Department's timetable is for setting out its position on digital rights and listed events.

The Government is currently moving forward with implementation of the Media Act 2024. That Act includes several important reforms to the listed events regime. The Government will set out its position in relation to on-demand (“digital”) rights in due course.

Media and Sport, when her Department plans to publish the results of the November 2022 Listed Events: Digital Rights Review.

The previous Government’s “Digital Rights Review” naturally came to an end with the change of Government in July 2024. No results of that review were published.