Written questions by Ribeiro-Addy.

What role the ACS and APS tools play in asylum decision-making processes; and what safeguards are in place to ensure equitable decisions.

The Asylum Policy Search tool (APS) tool is an artificial intelligence (AI) search assistant. It is a chat-based interface which finds and summarises Country Policy Information Notes (CPIN) directly relevant to the inputted query, to provide the policy basis for decisions.In line with the ‘human in the loop’ principle, APS was designed so that decision-makers cannot use the tool by itself to decide a claim. AI technology does not make decisions on Asylum applications; instead, it will help Asylum Decision Makers analyse data and provide insightful information that further informs outcomes.The Asylum Case Summarisation (ACS) tool uses AI to summarise asylum interview transcripts. The tool uses a Large Language Model to extract and summarise information from existing asylum interview transcript documents to provide decision-makers with a concise summary document. In line with the ‘human in the loop’ principle, ACS has been designed so that decision-makers cannot use the tool by itself to decide a claim. Instead, it acts as an aid in the usual decision-making process.After APS was operationalised, a specific inbox was set up for Decision Makers to feed back any issues found with the tool. Subject Matter Expert (SME) testing continues after operationalisation, in conjunction with the CPIT (Country Policy & Information Team), for APS.Whilst there is no standard operating procedure in place on the use of APS, all members of the Department were required to complete a mandatory ‘AI for all’ learning package in 2025. Furthermore, caseworkers were given comprehensive training on the use of APS before it was operationalised.It has not yet been confirmed whether the Department intends to publish a DPIA for the APS and ACS tools after both have been operationalised. APS is now fully rolled out, while ACS is due to follow in April 2026.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to impose sanctions on Israel to help prevent mass civilian casualties in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response.

If he will publish any legal advice on UK participation in military operations connected to the conflict in the Middle East.

A summary of the government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026.

What oversight mechanisms are in place to monitor the use of ACS and APS tools; and whether any independent audits have been (a) conducted and (b) planned.

All members of the Department were required to complete a mandatory 'AI for all' learning package in 2025. All caseworkers were given comprehensive training on the use of APS before it was operationalised. Both ACS and APS underwent user acceptance testing and evaluation was conducted following pilots of both tools.A specific inbox was set up for Decision Makers to feed back any issues found with the tool. All questions asked of the tool, have and will be logged, and are auditable. Subject Matter Expert (SME) testing continues after operationalisation, in conjunction with the CPIT (Country Policy & Information Team) for APS.ACS has not yet been operationalised, but our Analysis and Insight team plan to conduct further follow up evaluations in due course.

What training has been provided to caseworkers on the use of AI-supported tools during the pilot phase of ACS and APS.

All members of the Department were required to complete a mandatory 'AI for all' learning package in 2025. All caseworkers were given comprehensive training on the use of APS before it was operationalised. Both ACS and APS underwent user acceptance testing and evaluation was conducted following pilots of both tools.A specific inbox was set up for Decision Makers to feed back any issues found with the tool. All questions asked of the tool, have and will be logged, and are auditable. Subject Matter Expert (SME) testing continues after operationalisation, in conjunction with the CPIT (Country Policy & Information Team) for APS.ACS has not yet been operationalised, but our Analysis and Insight team plan to conduct further follow up evaluations in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to secure an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

If he will bring forward a voteable motion on the use of UK military bases in connection with operations related to the escalation in the Middle East.

Defence Ministers will continue to proactively engage with colleagues on the ongoing situation in the House, as well as written questions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with international partners on the protection of Palestinian refugees and displaced communities in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of legality of displacement orders in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs under international humanitarian law.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that donors and the UN-led humanitarian response meet the specific and diverse needs of women and girls in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure internally displaced people with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups can access essential medicines and health services in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure safe humanitarian access for aid organisations in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Whether her Department has undertaken an assessment of how the ‘earned settlement model’ will affect its commitments to ending child poverty and rough sleeping.

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026. As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact of the proposed changes, including the impact on children and vulnerable groups. We also asked whether vulnerable groups should be exempt from any of the proposed changes. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. Implementation of the earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Whether receiving Personal Independence Payment for a temporary period will impact access to the proposed extended settlement period.

Personal Independence Payments constitute public funds for the purposes of the Immigration Rules. It has not yet been determined what will constitute public funds or the purposes of adjustments to the qualifying period for settlement under the earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448).No final decisions have been taken. The proposals have been the subject of a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received and will give careful consideration to these assessments in shaping the final model, including its application to vulnerable groups.We have committed to undertaking economic and equality impact assessments in respect of the final model, which we will publish in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether UK diplomatic staff in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have engaged with the Nassar family or visited the Tent of Nations site in the past 12 months; and whether there are plans for further engagement.

The UK remains concerned about the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm . We are aware of the issues surrounding the land and of recent developments affecting the site. The UK regularly monitors the situation in the West Bank. Our Consulate General in Jerusalem engages routinely with communities, non-governmental organisations and relevant stakeholders on this matter. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We continue to urge Israel to halt these practices and protect Palestinian communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of settlement activity and land designation policies on privately owned Palestinian land in the Bethlehem governorate.

The UK remains concerned about the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm . We are aware of the issues surrounding the land and of recent developments affecting the site. The UK regularly monitors the situation in the West Bank. Our Consulate General in Jerusalem engages routinely with communities, non-governmental organisations and relevant stakeholders on this matter. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We continue to urge Israel to halt these practices and protect Palestinian communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support her Department provides to nonviolent civil society and community resilience initiatives in the occupied West Bank.

The UK remains concerned about the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm . We are aware of the issues surrounding the land and of recent developments affecting the site. The UK regularly monitors the situation in the West Bank. Our Consulate General in Jerusalem engages routinely with communities, non-governmental organisations and relevant stakeholders on this matter. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We continue to urge Israel to halt these practices and protect Palestinian communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether UK officials have made representations to the Israeli authorities regarding legal proceedings, land status, or reported risks of confiscation relating to the Tent of Nations farm near Bethlehem.

The UK remains concerned about the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm . We are aware of the issues surrounding the land and of recent developments affecting the site. The UK regularly monitors the situation in the West Bank. Our Consulate General in Jerusalem engages routinely with communities, non-governmental organisations and relevant stakeholders on this matter. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We continue to urge Israel to halt these practices and protect Palestinian communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank; and whether UK officials are monitoring developments affecting that site.

The UK remains concerned about the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm . We are aware of the issues surrounding the land and of recent developments affecting the site. The UK regularly monitors the situation in the West Bank. Our Consulate General in Jerusalem engages routinely with communities, non-governmental organisations and relevant stakeholders on this matter. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We continue to urge Israel to halt these practices and protect Palestinian communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to monitor and respond to threats to Palestinian agricultural land and livelihoods in the Bethlehem area, including cases involving long-standing private land claims.

The UK remains concerned about the situation facing the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations farm . We are aware of the issues surrounding the land and of recent developments affecting the site. The UK regularly monitors the situation in the West Bank. Our Consulate General in Jerusalem engages routinely with communities, non-governmental organisations and relevant stakeholders on this matter. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We continue to urge Israel to halt these practices and protect Palestinian communities.