Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, by when she expects the Animals in Science Committee to provide their advice on (a) strengthening leading practice for the regulated sector and (b) best practice for animal welfare and ethical review bodies.

The Animals in Science Committee (ASC) published its report, Strengthening leading practice in the animals in science sector, on 19th January 2026. It is available to read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strengthening-leading-practice-in-the-animals-in-science-sector.The ASC expects to publish its report on Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies by 30th September 2026. Further information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/timescales-for-asc-commissions-letter-to-lord-hanson.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, by when the Animals in Science Regulation Unit will a) complete its Regulatory Reform programme and b) implement a new target operating model.

The Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) launched its new organisational design and operating model in late 2025. This included increasing the size of the inspectorate from an average of 14.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) posts in 2023 to 22 FTE in 2026, strengthening the Regulator’s ability to scrutinise, monitor and assure compliance of regulated establishments with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. ASRU has also introduced specialist roles and functions to strengthen data analysis, quality monitoring and overall regulatory performance.The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy ‘Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods’, later in 2026.

With reference to the National Police Chief's Council report entitled Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy 2025-2028, what offences are classified under bat crime.

Under the NPCC Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy 2025–2028, bat crime includes:Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat occupying a structure or place used for shelter or protection.Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection by bats.Regulation 43 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.Deliberately capture, injure, or kill a bat.Deliberately disturb a bat.Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat (bats do not have to be in occupation at the time).Possess or control a bat.Transport a bat.Sell or exchange a bat.Offer for sale or exchange any bat, alive or dead, or any part of a bat.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101926 on MBR Acres: Animal Welfare, what the outcome was of the announced audit in November 2025.

The announced audit carried out at MBR Acres in November 2025 identified no critical or major findings, and no low‑level concerns. Three minor findings were identified and, where required, actions to address these areas were issued to the establishment. The minor findings involved a small amount of rust on a surface, small areas of floor damage in a walkway, and a small portion of loose drain cover which was dealt with immediately.ASRU conducts both announced and unannounced audits in line with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), using a risk‑informed approach.Audit frequency is determined by a range of factors including consideration of an establishment’s compliance history, the nature and scale of licensed activities, the species and numbers of animals used, and the licence holder’s record.As a minimum, ASRU audits a third of all establishments each year and audits all establishments carrying out regulated procedures on non‑human primates annually, as required by ASPA. ASPA does not mandate whether these audits are announced or unannounced and does not mandate a specific frequency for unannounced audits.ASRU has planned to increase the number of unannounced audits as part of its work to strength regulatory oversight. ASRU has also increased its number of inspectors, enabling a greater volume of risk-based audits across the system.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101926 on MBR Acres: Animal Welfare, what factors determine the frequency of unannounced audits.

The announced audit carried out at MBR Acres in November 2025 identified no critical or major findings, and no low‑level concerns. Three minor findings were identified and, where required, actions to address these areas were issued to the establishment. The minor findings involved a small amount of rust on a surface, small areas of floor damage in a walkway, and a small portion of loose drain cover which was dealt with immediately.ASRU conducts both announced and unannounced audits in line with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), using a risk‑informed approach.Audit frequency is determined by a range of factors including consideration of an establishment’s compliance history, the nature and scale of licensed activities, the species and numbers of animals used, and the licence holder’s record.As a minimum, ASRU audits a third of all establishments each year and audits all establishments carrying out regulated procedures on non‑human primates annually, as required by ASPA. ASPA does not mandate whether these audits are announced or unannounced and does not mandate a specific frequency for unannounced audits.ASRU has planned to increase the number of unannounced audits as part of its work to strength regulatory oversight. ASRU has also increased its number of inspectors, enabling a greater volume of risk-based audits across the system.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2026 to Question 114022 on Extradition, what the (a) country and (b) date was for each of the extradition requests received from Category 2 Type B countries.

The numbers of requests from each Category 2 Type B country received between 5th July 2024 and 23 February 2026 (the date of question 114022), where they number more than 5 requests are listed below. The total requests received in the timeframe, which was given in response to question 114022, was 64:Brazil – 12Iraq – 7Nigeria – 7Kosovo – 6In accordance with our policies, and after careful consideration, we are not releasing the information on extradition requests received between 5th July 2024 and 23 February 2026, from Category 2 Type B countries where five or fewer requests have been made. Likewise, we are unable to break down the figures above any further due to the same considerations. The disclosure of such data may lead to the identification of an individual request which might prejudice ongoing law enforcement proceedings.Please note that this information is taken from local management information and has not been quality assured to the level of published National Statistics. As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change.

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2026 to Question 118319 on Extradition: Bangladesh, from when the data will no longer be categorised as provisional.

Further to the response to question 118319 dated 1 April 2026, we can confirm that this information is taken from local management information and has not been quality assured to the level of published National Statistics. It is the ongoing position that as such it should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change.

Whether she met President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria during his visit to the UK on 31 March 2026.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department met with President al-Sharaa of Syria during his visit to the UK on 31 March 2026.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what progress has she made in working with the Home Office to review how additional statistics, such as those on the numbers of animals used for creation and breeding of genetically altered animals, can lead to guidance on efficient breeding practices.

The Home Office is responsible for the regulation and collection of statistics on the use of animals in science under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Home Office is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to consider how the existing and future collections of publication of additional statistics can continue to support good practice.This work is progressing as part of cross government collaboration to ensure that data collection, analysis and publication remain proportionate, scientifically meaningful and aligned with the objectives of the Replacing animals in science strategy, while maintaining the UK’s high standards of animal welfare and regulatory oversight.The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy, later in 2026.

Whether hare coursing contributes to any of the strategic priorities in the 2025-2028 Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy for 2025-28, which was published in November 2025, sets out policing priorities to tackle crimes that predominantly affect rural communities. This includes illegal hunting, poaching and hare coursing.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025 what progress has she made in implementing the Rawle Report recommendations.

The Home Office is working with the Animals in Science Regulation Unit, funders and wider stakeholders to progress implementation of the Rawle report recommendations. Specifically, the Animals in Science Committee, a ministerial advisory body, has been commissioned for advice on leading practice in delivery of the responsibilities of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies (AWERBs); addressing a key finding from the Rawle report.The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy, later in 2026.

How many police forces are currently using Chinese software connected vehicles within their fleets.

Police forces are operationally independent; this includes the procurement and use of vehicles. The Home Office does not routinely collect information on vehicle types within Police fleets.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat. This collaborative effort covers all connected vehicles, including those using Chinese softwareNPCC have shared guidance to all Chief Constables on understanding and effectively managing risks from Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.

Whether she has taken steps to prevent the use of Chinese software connected vehicles by (a) police forces and (b) the security services.

As noted in Question 121206 the Government prioritises national security and does not routinely provide details on operational matters or specific threats.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat. This collaborative effort covers all connected vehicles, including those using Chinese softwareThe government will continue to promote good practice in cybersecurity, support transparency on data collection and usage, and coordinate with the transport sector to strengthen the security of vehicles.NPCC have shared guidance to all Chief Constables on understanding and effectively managing risks from Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121206 on Police: Vehicles, what guidance has been provided to Chief Constables by the NPCC on understanding and effectively managing risks from connected vehicles.

The Government prioritises national security and does not routinely provide details on operational matters or specific threats.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat.Guidance provided covered proportionate risk-based measures on the in-life management, data handling, and disposal of Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2026 to Question 117963 on Firearms: Licensing, what steps are detailed in the action plan on how the three police forces intend to address the issues in the accelerated cause of concern.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) issued an accelerated cause of concern notice to the Chief Constables of the three forces involved in the tripartite firearms licensing arrangement involving Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Constabulary on 9 January 2026. The notice requested that the three Chief Constables set out in an action plan how they intended to address the issues set out in the notice within 28 working days.The three Chief Constables responded to HMICFRS within the specified deadline and the content of their response to the Inspectorate, who are independent of Government, was not shared with the Home Office.

By when will his department answer question 110947, published on 2 February 2026.

The answer for UIN 110947 was given on 19th March 2026.

What assessment has she made of the potential merits of paying officers planned overtime for extra work at the end of shifts.

The Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) makes recommendations to the Government on the appropriate level of pay and allowances for police officers, including overtime payments.The PRRB gathers and invites parties to submit evidence to inform their decisions. This includes both written and oral evidence from theGovernment, police employers and police staff associations. They weigh the evidence, consider independent research, and formulate detailed.The Government will give very careful consideration to any recommendations the PRRB makes on payments for planned overtime.

What recent discussions she has had with her US counterpart on the Metropolitan Police’s Mutual Legal Assistance Request.

As a longstanding matter of Government policy, the Home Office can neither confirm nor deny whether a request for Mutual Legal Assistance has been made or received.This is to protect the integrity of criminal investigations and proceedings.

What assessment has she made of the potential security threat posed to police forces in England and Wales by the use of Chinese software connected vehicles.

The Government prioritises national security and does not routinely provide details on operational matters or specific threats.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the perceived threat. This collaborative effort covers all connected vehicles, including those using Chinese softwareThe government will continue to promote good practice in cybersecurity, support transparency on data collection and usage, and coordinate with the transport sector to strengthen the security of vehicles.NPCC have shared guidance to all Chief Constables on understanding and effectively managing risks from Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.

Pursuant to the answer of 10 March 2026, to question 117496 on Forced Marriage, by what date she plans to complete the additional study to explore the viability of the approach recommended by the University of Birmingham in producing a national prevalence estimate.

Published in December 2025, the “Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls” committed to conducting an additional study to explore the viability of the approach recommended by the University of Birmingham in producing a national prevalence estimate for forced marriage and FGM.This study is due to conclude in March 2026 after which the Government will review the findings of both studies in the round and consider next steps, including publication.