Written questions by MacDonald.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the cost of living on households in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency.

The Government is taking a comprehensive approach in response to increasing costs: supporting those in immediate need while addressing the structural changes necessary to fix the country's foundations. The Plan for Change outlines key milestones, including raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom to put more money back in people’s pockets. In the latest data, living standards (as measured by real household disposable income per capita) are already growing at their fastest quarterly rate in two years. The Government has set out the next steps in delivering our approach for regional growth, spreading growth across the country through investment and reform. This will benefit people across the country, including in the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency.

What steps his Department is taking to support access to affordable, minimally processed food.

The Government’s Eatwell Guide already advises that people should eat more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain or higher-fibre foods, as well as less processed meat, and less food and drink that is high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and salt.The Eatwell Guide principles are communicated through a variety of channels, including the NHS.UK website and Government social marketing campaigns. For example, the Better Health Healthier Families website and the Healthy Steps email programme, which aims to help families with primary aged children in England to eat well and move more.The range of actions that have already been taken to create a healthier environment to help children reduce their consumption of processed foods that are high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and to improve access to affordable, minimally processed foods, include:- the Healthy Start scheme, which supported over 361,000 people in April 2025;- the Nursery Milk Scheme, which provides a reimbursement to childcare providers in England and Wales for a daily 1/3 pint portion of milk to children and babies; and- the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, which provides approximately 2.2 million children in Key Stage 1 with a portion of fresh fruit or vegetables per day at school.In relation to foods and drinks high in calories, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, work on our commitments is progressing through:- implementing the television and online advertising restrictions for less healthy food or drink;- consulting on plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 years old; and- giving local authorities stronger, clearer powers to block new fast-food outlets near schools and where young people congregate.

What assessment his Department has made of (a) trends in the level of ultra-processed food consumption and (b) the potential impact of those foods on public health.

United Kingdom dietary recommendations are based on robust independent risk assessments by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). The SACN has considered the impact of processed foods on health in position statements published in 2023 and 2025.The SACN did not assess trends in ultra processed food (UPF) consumption. However, a review of the available evidence that uses the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) dataset to apply the NOVA food processing classification system was conducted. The 2023 position statement found that estimates of UPF intake varied by age group, varying from 51% to 57% in adults, 68% in adolescents, and 64% in children up to 11 years old. The SACN, however, identified limitations in applying the NOVA classification to dietary data such as the NDNS, due to the broadness of the NOVA definition and the fact that the dietary data rarely captures the detail, for example the presence of additives, included in the NOVA definition.The SACN concluded that the observed associations between higher consumption of UPFs and adverse health outcomes are concerning, but it is unclear whether these foods are inherently unhealthy due to processing or due to their nutritional content. The SACN noted that diets high in UPFs are often energy dense, high in saturated fat, salt, or free sugars, high in processed meat, and/or low in fruit and vegetables and fibre. The SACN has previously concluded in previous robust risk assessments that consumption of excess energy, saturated fat, salt, free sugars, and processed meat is linked to poor health outcomes, and that higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain foods, and fibre reduces health risks.The SACN recommended that on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and low in fibre. This is based on the nutrient content of many UPFs and concerns raised in relation to health.The SACN will continue to keep the topic of UPFs under review and will consider it again at its horizon scanning meeting in 2026. The Government continues to invest in research on UPFs through the National Institute for Health and Care Research and UK Research and Innovation.

Whether he has had discussions with representatives of the food industry on the health impact of ultra-processed foods.

The Department regularly engages a range of stakeholders including in the food industry. My rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has had no meetings with the food industry specifically on the health impact of ultra-processed foods.

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.

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.

What recent discussions she has had with representatives of (a) the cryptoasset industry and (b) UK banks on improving access to basic banking services for legitimate blockchain and digital asset firms.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.