Written questions by McDonald.

What steps his Department is taking to differentiate between goods and services from (a) illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and (b) Israel.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods originating in these settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority.UK operators are advised on gov.uk that all movement certificates and invoice declarations made out in Israel must include the postcode where production has taken place. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC undertakes checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure compliance. The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled.UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of getting involved in economic and financial activities in settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice. We routinely update our guidance to British businesses on the Overseas Business Risk website.

What checks are made on the postal codes of goods to identify whether the origin of such goods are from (a) the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and (b) Israel.

It is a long-standing requirement that Israeli preference cannot be claimed on goods if the production conferring originating status has taken place in a location within the territories brought under Israeli administration since June 1967. The Department of Business & Trade has recently updated the list of non-eligible postcodes to reflect the latest position on Israeli Settlements. HMRC takes a risk-based and intelligence-led approach to customs enforcement. Compliance measures evolve as the picture of risk changes ensuring any interventions are proportionate to the risk. HMRC has confirmed that regular checks are carried out on imports from Israel, and they are subject to verification to check their originating status. HMRC introduced a new document code on 1 September 2025 to strengthen compliance with existing processes by asking the declarant to confirm imported goods met the conditions to claim preference under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, including alignment with the updated list of non-eligible postcodes. These actions form part of the ongoing policy advice and review of processes aimed at ensuring the UK’s origin verification procedures remain robust and responsive to developments on the ground; ensuring any interventions are proportionate to the risk. The government remains committed to upholding the integrity of its trade policy and ensuring that goods receiving preferential treatment under trade agreements fully comply with legal and procedural requirements.

What consideration has the UK given to the suspension of the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement contingent upon Israel’s compliance with the human rights provision in the agreement and with the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024.

Our trading relationship with Israel underpins key areas of UK life and UK exports to Israel support thousands of jobs in the UK. Action to suspend trade preferences risks unpredictable consequences and significant economic disruption for British businesses.The UK Government is committed to international law and fully respects the independence of the ICJ. We continue to consider the Court’s Advisory Opinion carefully, with the rigour it deserves.The UK Government has recently announced a number of measures in relation to the actions of the Netanyahu Government. We have been clear that if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) revising the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement to explicitly prohibit the importing of goods (i) produced and (ii) sourced (A) in whole and (B) in part in the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and (b) ensuring that the supply of goods imported into the UK are free from human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the PA. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

Whether he has considered barring (a) financial institutions, (b) banks and (c) other corporations headquartered in the UK from investing in settlement-based companies.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides further information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

Whether guidance is given to the food sector on potential criminal culpability in the importation of (a) goods and (b) services from the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law, and that goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of taking legislative steps to prevent the importation of goods from the illegal territories in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) are illegal under international law. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We do not encourage or offer support to such activity and advise that those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

What proportion of goods from the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are passed-off as coming from Israel.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel.Where there are doubts about the origin of goods that have been declared as being of Israeli origin, HMRC will undertake checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure fiscal compliance. HMRC does not however provide specific details regarding checks as it may serve to undermine compliance activity.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24, published on 18 September 2024, whether she has taken steps to cease the importation of (a) products and (b) services originating from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The UK Government considers Israeli settlements illegal under international law. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) undertakes checks to verify the origin and ensure fiscal compliance. The UK Government encourages accurate labelling of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine to avoid misleading consumers and promote transparency.

What discussions she has had with trade unions on the formation of Anglia Railways.

The Department and our industry partners, Network Rail and DFT Operator, have regular discussions with trade unions on a range of topics, including rail reform, of which integrated management arrangements are one part. The formation of integrated management arrangements across track and train, such as South Eastern Railway already established, is led by Network Rail and DFT Operator.

How the (a) Southeastern and Network Rail Alliance and (b) proposed Anglia Railways will be integrated into Great British Railways.

The Southeastern alliance and Anglia Railways will trailblaze what an integrated railway can do. Integrating track and train at a local level is at the heart of the vision for GBR.GBR will integrate track and train and bring together activities from more than 17 existing organisations – including Network Rail and the DFTO into a single organisation.

Which organisation is leading strategy for the transfer from (a) the privately owned train operating companies to the Department for Transport Operator (DfTO) and (b) from DfTO to Great British Railways.

The Public Ownership Programme Directorate has been established in the Department to oversee and manage the transfer of passenger services from private ownership into public ownership. DfT is the lead Government Department for the rail sector transformation programme which includes the creation of Great British Railways and the coming together of more than 17 existing organisations – including Network Rail, the Rail Delivery Group, DFTO, parts of DfT, and 14 separate Train Operating Companies – into a single organisation.

By what mechanism the DfT Operator Limited and Network Rail will be brought into Great British Railways.

GBR will integrate track and train and bring together activities from more than 17 existing organisations – including Network Rail and DFTO. To avoid delay resulting from highly complex transfers of assets, people and contracts that would otherwise be required during implementation, GBR will be created out of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited.

How the nations and regions of Great Britain will be reflected in the governance structure of Great British Railways.

The Railways Bill will include a statutory role for devolved governments and Mayoral Strategic Authorities in governing, planning, managing, and developing the railway under Great British Railways (GBR). We have had continuous proactive and productive engagement with Scottish and Welsh Government Officials and Ministers throughout the Bills development. This engagement will ensure that the Devolved Governments are represented within Great British Railways governance. Great British Railways (GBR) will work collaboratively with devolved leaders and local stakeholders to ensure rail services meet local needs. Empowered local GBR business units will engage with devolved and local authorities on their priorities and strategies.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Israeli counterpart calling for the immediate unconditional release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya from custody.

I remain deeply disturbed by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities.I have specifically raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. We are urging Israel to clarify the reasons for his detention, to allow medical workers to carry out their work safely and without hindrance, and to provide detainees with access to legal representation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information he holds on the (a) status and (b) health of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya.

I remain deeply disturbed by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities.I have specifically raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. We are urging Israel to clarify the reasons for his detention, to allow medical workers to carry out their work safely and without hindrance, and to provide detainees with access to legal representation.

How many people will receive Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2025-26 in (a) Middlesbrough and Thornaby East constituency, (b) Middlesbrough local authority area, (c) Tees Valley combined authority area and (d) the North East.

For winter 2023 to 2024:- 15,487 pensioners received the Winter Fuel Payment in Middlesbrough and Thornby East Constituency;- 22,849 received it in Middlesbrough local authority area;- 127,568 received it in the Tees Valley combined authority area (21,251 in Darlington, 17,484 in Hartlepool, 22,849 in Middlesbrough, 30,049 in Redcar and Cleveland, and 35,935 in Stockton-on-Tees);- and 517,592 received it in the North East. This is based on Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK.Data covering winter 2024 to 2025 is not yet available. The next release of Winter Fuel Payment statistics will cover this period and will be published on 16 September 2025. The Government wants to ensure a wider range of pensioners in England and Wales receive Winter Fuel Payment in future, while recognising public finance constraints and the fact that making payments to the highest income pensioners is hard to justify. From winter 2025-26, the vast majority of pensioners in England and Wales – over three quarters, or around 9 million individuals - will benefit from Winter Fuel Payments. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out. Individuals with a taxable income above £35,000 a year will have any WFP recouped via HMRC.

How many people received Winter Fuel Payment in winter (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25 in (i) Middlesbrough and Thornaby East constituency, (ii) Middlesbrough local authority area, (iii) Tees Valley combined authority area and (iv) the North East.

For winter 2023 to 2024:- 15,487 pensioners received the Winter Fuel Payment in Middlesbrough and Thornby East Constituency;- 22,849 received it in Middlesbrough local authority area;- 127,568 received it in the Tees Valley combined authority area (21,251 in Darlington, 17,484 in Hartlepool, 22,849 in Middlesbrough, 30,049 in Redcar and Cleveland, and 35,935 in Stockton-on-Tees);- and 517,592 received it in the North East. This is based on Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK.Data covering winter 2024 to 2025 is not yet available. The next release of Winter Fuel Payment statistics will cover this period and will be published on 16 September 2025. The Government wants to ensure a wider range of pensioners in England and Wales receive Winter Fuel Payment in future, while recognising public finance constraints and the fact that making payments to the highest income pensioners is hard to justify. From winter 2025-26, the vast majority of pensioners in England and Wales – over three quarters, or around 9 million individuals - will benefit from Winter Fuel Payments. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out. Individuals with a taxable income above £35,000 a year will have any WFP recouped via HMRC.

How many people of state pension age there are in (a) Middlesbrough and Thornaby East constituency, (b) Middlesbrough local authority area, (c) Tees Valley combined authority area and (d) the North East.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 11th June is attached.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 3 April 2025 entitled Local Government Best Value, HCWS576, whether her Department's quarterly engagement with the Tees Valley Combined Authority includes consideration of the management of the Transport for City Regions funding allocation.

While individual funding programmes are managed and assured independently by their respective departments, an ongoing assessment of the authority's progress against the best value notice will be based on a holistic judgement of all available information and considered engagement with the authority