Written questions by Lake.

Innovation and Technology, if she will hold discussions with Ofcom on revising the Physical Infrastructure Access pricing model to ensure consistent competitive conditions between (a) national ISPs and (b) alternative network operators building gigabit-capable broadband in rural areas.

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.For this reason, while my officials are engaging with Ofcom on this issue, the Department has not made any specific assessment of the merits of introducing fiscal incentives to reduce how much rural operators pay for PIA.My officials are regularly engaging with Ofcom to ensure that we have the right regulatory environment in place to promote competition and investment in the fibre roll-out.

Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to ensure that public subsidies provided to data centre partnerships are not used to support Drax Power Station.

AI Growth Zones (AIGZs) were announced in January as part of the Prime Minister's AI Opportunities Action Plan.In April, following an informal call for interest where we received over 200 proposals, we launched the application process to identify AIGZs. We have received 56 applications from across the UK, which we are currently reviewing.We will continue to follow due process, led by our public criteria, as we take any proposals forward.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the flat rate anti-money laundering supervision fee regime on small art galleries.

Economic crime presents a substantial threat to UK security and stability, and anti money laundering supervisors have an important role to play to ensure that supervised businesses understand and manage the risks to which they are exposed. HM Revenue & Customs supervises art market participantsalongside businesses in several other sectors.It is policy of this, and previous Governments, that the cost of supervision should be met by supervised businesses and not through general taxation. HMRC has recently published its intention to increase some of the fees that itcharges for supervision to ensure that it has the income it needs to meet its obligations as a supervisor. HMRC is considering comments from businesses and trade bodies and will publish its next steps shortly. The Money Laundering Regulations apply only to sales of art exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 in value, which excludes 80% of businesses in the sector. HMRC hasconsidered the impact of the proposed fee increases on businesses against its needs as a supervisor and intends to minimise impact on supervised businesses, especially the vast majority who trade from a single premises.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing (a) relief and (b) a discounted rate for small art galleries following the increase in anti-money laundering supervision fees.

Economic crime presents a substantial threat to UK security and stability, and anti money laundering supervisors have an important role to play to ensure that supervised businesses understand and manage the risks to which they are exposed. HM Revenue & Customs supervises art market participantsalongside businesses in several other sectors.It is policy of this, and previous Governments, that the cost of supervision should be met by supervised businesses and not through general taxation. HMRC has recently published its intention to increase some of the fees that itcharges for supervision to ensure that it has the income it needs to meet its obligations as a supervisor. HMRC is considering comments from businesses and trade bodies and will publish its next steps shortly. The Money Laundering Regulations apply only to sales of art exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 in value, which excludes 80% of businesses in the sector. HMRC hasconsidered the impact of the proposed fee increases on businesses against its needs as a supervisor and intends to minimise impact on supervised businesses, especially the vast majority who trade from a single premises.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to increase the provision of aid to the Sahrawi refugee camps, following the UN Secretary General’s report entitled Question of Western Sahara of 31 July 2025.

The UK continues to regularly meet and consult regional and international partners to discuss the issue of Western Sahara, including those from the peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN, civil society, and the broader international community. We continue to work with international partners to assess the situation and ensure UK aid reaches the most vulnerable, including Sahrawi refugees.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July to Question 64209 on Western Sahara: Human Rights, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Morocco on the details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail.

The UK has endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and welcomed Morocco's stated commitment to provide further details of what autonomy within a Moroccan state could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations. In that context, we continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The former Foreign Secretary last spoke to Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Bourita on 23 July and I met representatives of the Polisario Front on 5 August.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on the blocking of visits by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to occupied Western Sahara since 2015.

The UK has endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and welcomed Morocco's stated commitment to provide further details of what autonomy within a Moroccan state could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations. In that context, we continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The former Foreign Secretary last spoke to Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Bourita on 23 July and I met representatives of the Polisario Front on 5 August.

Whether she plans to include residential rehabilitation treatment in her plans for justice reform.

We know continued engagement with treatment and recovery throughout an offender’s journey is vital to reduce drug misuse, drug-related crime, and reoffending. Responsibility for funding and commissioning of substance misuse treatment lies with the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS Wales. We work very closely with health partners to ensure pathways are accessible for offenders, including to residential rehabilitation which can be a valuable treatment option for some.In line with recommendations from the Independent Sentencing Review, we want to divert more offenders away from custody where appropriate, including increasing the use of Drug Rehabilitation Requirements to address the underlying causes of offending. For those who do go to prison, accessing support to resettle effectively in the community is crucial, particularly as the first few weeks after release are high-risk for relapse, overdose, and reoffending.To support this, community probation practitioners coordinate the overall rehabilitation of an offender, supported by pre-release teams. They work proactively with all prisoners to make sure the right support is on offer during their time in prison and prior to release to address resettlement needs such as accommodation, employment, and substance misuse. Health and Justice Partnership Coordinators work nationwide to support prison leavers to maintain recovery in the community, strengthening links between prisons, probation and treatment providers. The latest data for June 2025 shows that 54% of adults released with an ongoing substance misuse need engaged in treatment within 3 weeks of release, an increase from 38% in April 2021.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) ringfencing a minimum amount of community justice funding specifically for residential rehabilitation services, (b) establishing formal pathways between prison to residential rehabilitation provision and recovery housing services and (c) facilitating integrated discharge planning including proactive pathways into (i) community integration, (ii) employment, (iii) education and (iv) recovery support as part of her plans for justice reform.

We know continued engagement with treatment and recovery throughout an offender’s journey is vital to reduce drug misuse, drug-related crime, and reoffending. Responsibility for funding and commissioning of substance misuse treatment lies with the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS Wales. We work very closely with health partners to ensure pathways are accessible for offenders, including to residential rehabilitation which can be a valuable treatment option for some.In line with recommendations from the Independent Sentencing Review, we want to divert more offenders away from custody where appropriate, including increasing the use of Drug Rehabilitation Requirements to address the underlying causes of offending. For those who do go to prison, accessing support to resettle effectively in the community is crucial, particularly as the first few weeks after release are high-risk for relapse, overdose, and reoffending.To support this, community probation practitioners coordinate the overall rehabilitation of an offender, supported by pre-release teams. They work proactively with all prisoners to make sure the right support is on offer during their time in prison and prior to release to address resettlement needs such as accommodation, employment, and substance misuse. Health and Justice Partnership Coordinators work nationwide to support prison leavers to maintain recovery in the community, strengthening links between prisons, probation and treatment providers. The latest data for June 2025 shows that 54% of adults released with an ongoing substance misuse need engaged in treatment within 3 weeks of release, an increase from 38% in April 2021.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 66247 on Public Expenditure: Wales, when her Department plans to publish a new release of Block Grant Transparency data.

The Block Grant Transparency publication breaks down all changes in the devolved governments’ block grant funding from the 2015 Spending Review to Main Estimates 2023-24. The most recent report was published in July 2023. The next publication will include a breakdown of devolved governments’ funding since the 2015 Spending Review up to and including Spending Review 2025 and will be published in due course. Block Grant Transparency: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/block-grant-transparency-july-2023

What recent estimate has she made of the number of people in Wales who have had difficulty in dealing with their (a) property and (b) other investments placed in trusts following the collapse of McClure solicitors.

We are aware that the collapse has had a serious impact on a substantial number of former clients of McClure solicitors, particularly in relation to Family Protection trusts and other estate planning arrangements. The responsibility for regulation of such law firms lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which is independent of Government. Responsibility for regulating the legal profession rests with approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA sets professional standards that solicitors (and firms) must adhere to.Given the independence of the legal profession and its regulators, the Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of individuals affected in Wales.I have discussed the McClure solicitors firm collapse with the leadership of the SRA and urged them to take robust action.The SRA has investigated the conduct of those former partners of WW&J McClure. While these former partners are no longer on the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales, the SRA keeps any relevant concerns on record. Should any of these individuals apply to return to the profession in the future, the SRA may consider taking appropriate action at that point.  Further guidance can be found in the latest SRA update on WW&J McClure, available here: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority.Further, the SRA has required a formal compliance plan from Jones Whyte (who took on clients’ cases when McClure collapsed) and is overseeing its implementation. This plan includes specific undertakings to prioritise client contact, act promptly on instructions, and ensure that the interests of former McClure clients are protected. The SRA continues to monitor the handling of former McClure client matters by Jones Whyte Solicitors and is working with relevant bodies to address concerns raised.Former clients of McClure may be eligible to pursue compensation claims through Lockton, the brokers responsible for professional indemnity cover under the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy. Claims under this route require individuals to demonstrate negligence, and legal advice may be necessary. It is also important to note that legal representatives may charge fees for their services in such matters.In addition, the Legal Ombudsman may be able to assist individuals who are dissatisfied with the service they have received from a regulated legal provider, including delays or failures in communication.

What steps she is taking to (a) identify and (b) support people affected by the collapse of McClure solicitors.

We are aware that the collapse has had a serious impact on a substantial number of former clients of McClure solicitors, particularly in relation to Family Protection trusts and other estate planning arrangements. The responsibility for regulation of such law firms lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which is independent of Government. Responsibility for regulating the legal profession rests with approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA sets professional standards that solicitors (and firms) must adhere to.Given the independence of the legal profession and its regulators, the Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of individuals affected in Wales.I have discussed the McClure solicitors firm collapse with the leadership of the SRA and urged them to take robust action.The SRA has investigated the conduct of those former partners of WW&J McClure. While these former partners are no longer on the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales, the SRA keeps any relevant concerns on record. Should any of these individuals apply to return to the profession in the future, the SRA may consider taking appropriate action at that point.  Further guidance can be found in the latest SRA update on WW&J McClure, available here: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority.Further, the SRA has required a formal compliance plan from Jones Whyte (who took on clients’ cases when McClure collapsed) and is overseeing its implementation. This plan includes specific undertakings to prioritise client contact, act promptly on instructions, and ensure that the interests of former McClure clients are protected. The SRA continues to monitor the handling of former McClure client matters by Jones Whyte Solicitors and is working with relevant bodies to address concerns raised.Former clients of McClure may be eligible to pursue compensation claims through Lockton, the brokers responsible for professional indemnity cover under the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy. Claims under this route require individuals to demonstrate negligence, and legal advice may be necessary. It is also important to note that legal representatives may charge fees for their services in such matters.In addition, the Legal Ombudsman may be able to assist individuals who are dissatisfied with the service they have received from a regulated legal provider, including delays or failures in communication.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2024 to Question 4409 on Taxation: International Cooperation, what recent steps she has taken to support the implementation of UN General Assembly resolution A /RES/78/230 on the Promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations adopted on 22 December 2023.

The UK is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective international tax cooperation, and has been engaging in discussions at the UN over a future Framework Convention, including the recent informal sessions for the technical workstreams.The UK believes that a UN Tax Framework Convention has the potential to further advance international tax cooperation, but to be successful, it needs to be clear in its aims, avoid duplicating initiatives, and seek to secure the broad support and participation of members.

What estimate her Department has made of the total amount of Barnett consequential funding which will be made available to Wales following the City Region Local Transport funding announced on 4 June 2025.

The 2025 Spending Review set the Department for Transport’s budget for 2026-27 to 2028-29. In line with the Statement of Funding Policy, the Barnett formula is applied to changes in overall department settlements, not to individual programmes. As a result, it is not possible to identify specific Barnett consequentials arising from individual programmes, such as the Transport for City Regions funding announced on 4 June 2025. This is the normal operation of the Barnett formula at Spending Reviews. The Welsh Government’s settlement at the 2025 Spending Review is the largest in real terms since devolution in 1998. It ensures that the Welsh Government continues to receive more than 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending in England, which is above their 15% higher relative need agreed in the Welsh Government Fiscal Framework.

Whether she plans to establish an alternative disputes resolution process for people affected by changes in state pension age for women.

We have no such plans.

With reference to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review report, published on 8 July 2020, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of launching a public inquiry into the potential harms of anti-seizure medication.

Everyone who has been harmed following use of anti-seizure medication has our deepest sympathies. We fully understand the importance of patient safety, which is a top priority for this government. It is vital we do all we can to stop harm from happening in the first place.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency rigorously monitors and reviews all emerging data and risks in relation to anti-seizure medication and communicates information on risks to patients. Following Baroness Cumberlege’s 2020 Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) Review, which examined the anti-seizure medication Sodium Valproate in detail, several actions have been taken to ensure that valproate is only prescribed when clinically appropriate. These include ensuring valproate is not started in new patients younger than 55 years old unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment, or there are compelling reasons that the reproductive risks do not apply.One of the conclusions of the IMMDS Review was that a public inquiry would not best serve the interests of those affected by each of the interventions covered by the review. We have no plans to launch a public inquiry into the potential harms of anti-seizure medication.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on Morocco's refusal to allow a visit to Western Sahara by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since January 2016.

The UK remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, including in Morocco and Western Sahara. Officials, including up to Ambassador level regularly engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities accordingly. During the Foreign Secretary's visit to Morocco in June, the joint-communique of the Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed both countries commitment to cooperate on issues of human rights and the intention to hold a third session of the UK-Morocco Human Rights dialogue before the end of 2025. The UK has also supported language in UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara, including through cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of automatically exempting armed forces veterans with severe, long-term PTSD from repeat disability assessments.

Currently, Work Capability Assessment re-assessments are prioritised for customers on Employment and Support Allowance and the health element of Universal Credit who report a change in their health condition. Routine department-led reassessments are scheduled according to expected prognosis length for recovery and subject to available assessment capacity. Individuals who have Limited Capability for Work- and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA), with the most severe and lifelong health conditions or disabilities, whose level of function means that they will always have LCWRA and are unlikely ever to be able to move into work, are not routinely reassessed. Our wide-ranging package of reforms to health and disability benefits, set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, will improve experiences of the system for those who need it. The functional impact and severity of a condition can significantly vary across individuals, which is why we will continue to ensure that those with the most severe, life-long health conditions, who will never be able to work, will not need to be reassessed.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing mandatory veteran-aware training for benefit assessors.

I have interpreted your question to refer to health professionals (HPs) who conduct Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments and Work Capability Assessments (WCA) for our assessment suppliers on behalf of the department, and not Department for Work and Pensions decision makers who make decisions on entitlement to benefit. The Functional Assessment Service contracts require assessment suppliers to act in a manner supportive of the Armed Forces Covenant, to ensure the fair treatment of veterans and their families. PIP assessments and WCAs are not medical consultations and do not require HPs to diagnose conditions or recommend treatment. Instead, they are functional assessments designed to evaluate how an individual’s health conditions or impairments affect their ability to carry out daily living activities and/or their capability for work. HPs conducting assessments are trained specialists in disability analysis. Their focus is on understanding the functional impact of a claimant’s condition, rather than its clinical diagnosis. All HPs receive specific training on assessing the effects of mental health conditions and are supported by Mental Health Function Champions (MHFCs). MHFCs are experienced professionals with relevant expertise in mental health, cognitive, developmental, and learning disabilities. They are available to provide advice and support throughout the assessment process. Additionally, HPs have access to Condition Insight Reports and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guides. These resources offer detailed clinical and functional information on a range of conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, to support HPs in delivering informed assessments. Furthermore, within the WCA core training and guidance material (CTGM) there is a CPD module titled ‘life post miliary service’. While this does not currently form part of the PIP CTGM, we do intend to make this available across the benefit strands. On 25 June, I attended an online event with veterans, as one of the series of consultation events on the proposals in the Pathways to Work Green Paper.

What recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on updating the Welsh Fiscal Framework.

The UK and Welsh Governments have regular discussions on the delivery funding arrangements, including the Fiscal Framework.We remain committed to working in partnership with the Welsh Government to ensure the Fiscal Framework continues to deliver value for money while upholding our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility.   As set out in the Welsh Government Fiscal Framework agreed in 2016, a full review is triggered if the Welsh Government’s relative funding falls below 115% of equivalent UK Government spending per head in the rest of the UK.