Written questions by MacDonald.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that UK banks do not apply blanket restrictions to cryptoasset businesses.

The Government is aware that cryptoasset firms are facing challenges associated with access to banking services, and it is engaged with the sector on these matters. Whilst the Government recognises that such decisions are commercial in nature, we also expect business to be treated fairly. That is why the Government has already taken action in this space, including laying legislation to enhance relevant protections in cases where a business has their bank account terminated by their provider. The Government is also currently finalising legislation to create a financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets in the UK. Under this regime, firms will need to be licensed by the FCA to provide relevant cryptoasset services in or to the UK, and the Government would not expect such licensed firms to be subject to restrictions by banking services providers simply because of the sector they belong to.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 60696 on the Loan Charge, which loan charge campaigner recommended Mr Ray McCann to lead the independent review.

Prior to the 2024 general election, the Chancellor committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge. Following the election, I began pursuing this matter on her behalf, and met with campaigners, tax experts, and some of those affected. Mr McCann was suggested as a potential reviewer at a meeting on 23 July 2024, to which I invited stakeholders who have campaigned on the issue. The meeting was attended by the hon. Member for Mid Buckinghamshire (Co-Chair of the Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness All-Party Parliamentary Group), Keith Gordon (a tax Barrister), Sarah Gabbai (a tax lawyer) and representatives from the Loan Charge Action Group.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impacts of introducing mandatory digital identity systems in the UK on (a) privacy and (b) civil liberties.

The Government has no plans to introduce a mandatory digital identity system.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed Chinese Embassy development at the former Royal Mint site on local communities in Tower Hamlets.

An appointed Inspector held a public inquiry which heard a range of evidence for and against the proposals in question. As this case will come before Ministers in MHCLG to determine, it would not be appropriate to comment further. Decisions on planning applications are based on material planning considerations.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with Chagossians living in the UK on self-determination for the people of the Chagos Islands.

The negotiations were between the UK and Mauritius with our priority being to secure the full operation of the base on Diego Garcia. However, we recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians as well as the different views within the Chagossian community on their future.   We regularly engage with members of the Chagossian community on a range of issues and will continue to do so. Last month, the Foreign Secretary and I met with representatives of the Chagossian community, as part of the Foreign, Commonwealth, Development Office's ongoing engagement with Chagossians around the deal.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to enforce existing restrictions on bottom trawling in offshore Marine Protected Areas.

The management and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the UK are devolved matters, and the information provided in this answer therefore relates to England only. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities are responsible for assessing fishing activity in the English MPAs for which they are responsible; for deciding on the management measures are required for those MPAs to meet their conservation objectives; and for enforcing existing restrictions within MPAs. For example, the MMO remotely monitors the movements of all fishing vessels using satellite technology, and incursions into areas of MPAs where fishing activities are restricted are investigated. In addition, MMO’s two offshore patrol vessels and aerial surveillance flights are used to monitor and deter any prohibited activity.

What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of reducing the level of VAT charged for the supply of electricity at electric vehicle charging points.

The supply of energy for domestic use, including domestic EV charging, attracts the reduced rate of VAT. (5 per cent). Public EV charging is subject to the standard rate of VAT (20 per cent). This matches the VAT treatment of petrol and diesel, as well as all non-domestic electricity. Whilst the relief for domestic energy was not designed for charging EVs at home, it applies for all uses of domestic energy, as it is not easy for energy companies to distinguish between electricity used to charge an EV and electricity used for general domestic purposes. VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of existing regulations on bottom towed fishing gear within Marine Protected Areas in protecting seabed habitats.

The management and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the UK are devolved matters, and the information provided in this answer therefore relates to England only. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities are responsible for assessing fishing activity in the English MPAs for which they are responsible; for deciding on the management measures are required for those MPAs to meet their conservation objectives; and for enforcing existing restrictions within MPAs. For example, the MMO remotely monitors the movements of all fishing vessels using satellite technology, and incursions into areas of MPAs where fishing activities are restricted are investigated. In addition, MMO’s two offshore patrol vessels and aerial surveillance flights are used to monitor and deter any prohibited activity.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to (a) monitor and (b) report annually on the levels of bottom trawling activity within Marine Protected Areas.

The management and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the UK are devolved matters, and the information provided in this answer therefore relates to England only. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities are responsible for assessing fishing activity in the English MPAs for which they are responsible; for deciding on the management measures are required for those MPAs to meet their conservation objectives; and for enforcing existing restrictions within MPAs. For example, the MMO remotely monitors the movements of all fishing vessels using satellite technology, and incursions into areas of MPAs where fishing activities are restricted are investigated. In addition, MMO’s two offshore patrol vessels and aerial surveillance flights are used to monitor and deter any prohibited activity.

Food and Rural Affairs, what the total area in square kilometres is of Marine Protected Areas in UK waters on which bottom trawling is allowed.

The management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only. The Marine Management Organisation and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities individually assess fishing activity in the MPAs they are responsible for and decide what management measures are required for the MPAs to meet their conservation objectives.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with stakeholders on his Department's plans to introduce whole site bans on bottom-towed fishing gear in Marine Protected Areas.

The Marine Management Organisation and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities assess fishing activity in the English MPAs they are responsible for and decide what management measures are required for the MPAs to meet their conservation objectives. Sometimes these management measures will involve a ban across the whole site, where the features to be protected cover the whole site. Potential fishing restrictions in MPAs can be discussed with stakeholders during site designation processes and then again when management measures might need to be introduced, including through calls for evidence and formal public consultations such as the one recently announced.

What assessment her Department has made of the impact of electric vehicle charging costs on drivers in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.

The UK Government is committed to making electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure affordable for all. We continue to work with Ofgem and others on measures to keep the cost of EV charging affordable for consumers including those in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire. Transport, including the rollout of public EV chargepoints, is largely devolved to the Scottish Government. However, my officials regularly engage with Transport Scotland on zero emission vehicle initiatives, including charging infrastructure development. A range of UK Government grants are also available to support the installation of charging infrastructure in homes, workplaces and schools across the country: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grants.

What steps his Department is taking to inform the public of their rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations when buying from an online trader.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17th September 2024 to question 4955.

How many (a) military items and (b) munitions have been exported to Israel since the suspension of 30 arms export licences in September 2024.

DBT publishes data on export licences issued for military and dual-use equipment. Enquiries related to data on the final exports of specific products should be referred to HMRC.The most recent publication on export licences covers the quarter up to December 2024: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data.The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has also on an exceptional basis published further information on the current status of export licences to Israel: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024.This data shows that licences for the export of all military equipment that might be used in current military operations in Gaza have been suspended, subject to the special measures put in place for exports to the global F-35 programme.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterparts on reports of Israeli soldiers opening fire on civilians accessing aid distribution centres in Gaza.

We are appalled by repeated reports of civilians being killed or injured while seeking humanitarian aid near distribution points in Gaza. Lives can be saved if Israel lets aid into Gaza immediately, at scale by the UN and non-governmental organisations. Israel must fulfil its obligations under international law to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance. While we do not comment on the detail of diplomatic discussions, we remain in regular contact with the Government of Israel to urge the protection of civilians and the urgent improvement of humanitarian access. The UK continues to press for accountability under international law and for sustained, unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza, delivered at scale by the UN and humanitarian partners.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria his Department uses to decide when to recognise the state of Palestine.

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.Palestinian statehood is the right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel. The people of the West Bank and Gaza must be given the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. That is why this Government supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Government agrees strongly on the importance of recognition, and that is why we will make sure the timing is right. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to maintain progress towards (a) a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine and (b) the recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Kingdom.

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.Palestinian statehood is the right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel. The people of the West Bank and Gaza must be given the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. That is why this Government supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Government agrees strongly on the importance of recognition, and that is why we will make sure the timing is right. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the environment in Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire constituency.

The Environment Act 2021 requires Ministers to have ‘due regard’ to the policy statement on environmental principles when making policy. This is to ensure that environmental considerations are at the heart of policymaking across government. Environmental considerations in respect of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill were given due regard in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 2021.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the independence of the Independent Review of the Loan Charge Scandal.

The Government has commissioned an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. The independent review is being led by Ray McCann, a highly respected figure in the tax world whose name was suggested by one of the Loan Charge campaigners. Mr McCann is being supported by a team of officials who have not previously worked on this policy area and are based outside of the Treasury and HMRC. The reviewer will have the final say on what is included in his report and is responsible for deciding how to conduct the review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Scottish Government on their decision to place restrictions of NHS medical equipment being donated to Ukraine.

It is a matter for the Scottish Government to explain why they have placed restrictions on medical aid to Ukraine.