Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What recent progress she has made on implementing an asylum support discontinuation and move on function as part of the Asylum Transformation Programme.

The Asylum Transformation Programme consists of a number of projects delivering improvements to the people, processes and technology that make up the Asylum system. Those improvements are delivered across 4 operational areas or programme pillars; Asylum Caseworking, Accommodation and Support, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Age Assessment, and Appeals and Litigation Review (ALAR). These pillars and associated projects are focused on improving the end to end asylum journey by streamlining, simplifying and digitalising processes to speed up decision making; establishing an asylum accommodation system with the right capacity and at optimum cost, whilst reducing the burden on the Appeals system.Additional scope added to the Asylum Transformation Programme Business Case in April 25 came in two areas. Firstly, the introduction of new appeals focused projects which aim to ease the bottleneck in the appeals and courts system, aligning to the Government ambition to address challenges across the end-to-end asylum system. The second area of expansion enabled the rehousing of three in-flight Age Assessment projects which were added when the Sovereign Borders Programme closed.The Asylum Transformation Programme (ATP) was rated Amber following its most recent Gate 0 review. Successful delivery of the programme to time, cost and quality was acknowledged as feasible but the Amber rating also denoted the existence of significant issues and subsequently led to recommendations from National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). The recommendations were accepted and have provided additional mitigation against the risk NISTA identified.to Successful delivery of the programme. The programme proactively assesses government policy in this area as part of its planning and business case development cycle.The Home Office Sovereign Borders Programme, which was working to support the previous Government ambitions around the Illegal Migration Act (IMA), was closed 2024. This led to a review of the in-flight projects within the Sovereign Borders Programme to identify and reallocate, any projects for which there continued to be a sound business case. Three in-flight Age Assessment projects were identified and have now moved into the scope of Asylum Transformation Programme (from Business Case 25/26). These projects aim to optimise and digitise the age assessment process through new technology, new tools and updated policy processes. This is in line with the programmes objectives to create a more resilient and effective asylum system.A Move on function was established and has been Operational since August 2024. The Asylum Transformation Programme continues to work with Discontinuations and Move on teams to transform their joint processes to ensure a smooth transition from asylum support into mainstream services.

What the scope is of work to change (a) people capabilities, (b) processes and (c) technology for asylum (i) casework, (ii) accommodation and (iii) other support through the Asylum Transformation Programme.

The Asylum Transformation Programme consists of a number of projects delivering improvements to the people, processes and technology that make up the Asylum system. Those improvements are delivered across 4 operational areas or programme pillars; Asylum Caseworking, Accommodation and Support, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Age Assessment, and Appeals and Litigation Review (ALAR). These pillars and associated projects are focused on improving the end to end asylum journey by streamlining, simplifying and digitalising processes to speed up decision making; establishing an asylum accommodation system with the right capacity and at optimum cost, whilst reducing the burden on the Appeals system.Additional scope added to the Asylum Transformation Programme Business Case in April 25 came in two areas. Firstly, the introduction of new appeals focused projects which aim to ease the bottleneck in the appeals and courts system, aligning to the Government ambition to address challenges across the end-to-end asylum system. The second area of expansion enabled the rehousing of three in-flight Age Assessment projects which were added when the Sovereign Borders Programme closed.The Asylum Transformation Programme (ATP) was rated Amber following its most recent Gate 0 review. Successful delivery of the programme to time, cost and quality was acknowledged as feasible but the Amber rating also denoted the existence of significant issues and subsequently led to recommendations from National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). The recommendations were accepted and have provided additional mitigation against the risk NISTA identified.to Successful delivery of the programme. The programme proactively assesses government policy in this area as part of its planning and business case development cycle.The Home Office Sovereign Borders Programme, which was working to support the previous Government ambitions around the Illegal Migration Act (IMA), was closed 2024. This led to a review of the in-flight projects within the Sovereign Borders Programme to identify and reallocate, any projects for which there continued to be a sound business case. Three in-flight Age Assessment projects were identified and have now moved into the scope of Asylum Transformation Programme (from Business Case 25/26). These projects aim to optimise and digitise the age assessment process through new technology, new tools and updated policy processes. This is in line with the programmes objectives to create a more resilient and effective asylum system.A Move on function was established and has been Operational since August 2024. The Asylum Transformation Programme continues to work with Discontinuations and Move on teams to transform their joint processes to ensure a smooth transition from asylum support into mainstream services.

With reference to page 27 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on meeting NATO's seven baseline requirements for resilience.

The UK sees national and collective resilience as an essential basis for credible deterrence and defence and is committed to NATO Article 3, which requires Allies to maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack. The Government's work to deliver against NATO's seven baseline requirements for resilience is being delivered through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme, in which Defence has a leading role. As set out in the National Security Strategy and the Resilience Action Plan, this coordinates civil and military preparations across the whole of government to ensure that all sectors are prepared for and able to respond to the most catastrophic risks.

How many children were victims of sexual assault excluding statutory rape by other children in each year between 2015 and 2025 by (a) age and (b) gender.

The information requested on the number of children prosecuted for the offences listed (all forms of violent assault, battery, actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, murder and sexual assault offences) by age and gender, can be found at: Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: December 2024 - GOV.UK.The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on the number of children arrested and charged as this is a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. However, some information on arrests and charges can be found within the Crime Outcomes in England and Wales produced by the Home Office.Data centrally held does not include the number of children who were victims of crimes committed by other children, beyond information included in the offence type, nor how many children were murdered by other children, beyond infanticide. Whilst this information may be held in court records, examining individual records would incur disproportionate costs.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the new priorities were that required an increase in scope of the Asylum Transformation Programme; and when the increase occurred.

The Asylum Transformation Programme consists of a number of projects delivering improvements to the people, processes and technology that make up the Asylum system. Those improvements are delivered across 4 operational areas or programme pillars; Asylum Caseworking, Accommodation and Support, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Age Assessment, and Appeals and Litigation Review (ALAR). These pillars and associated projects are focused on improving the end to end asylum journey by streamlining, simplifying and digitalising processes to speed up decision making; establishing an asylum accommodation system with the right capacity and at optimum cost, whilst reducing the burden on the Appeals system.Additional scope added to the Asylum Transformation Programme Business Case in April 25 came in two areas. Firstly, the introduction of new appeals focused projects which aim to ease the bottleneck in the appeals and courts system, aligning to the Government ambition to address challenges across the end-to-end asylum system. The second area of expansion enabled the rehousing of three in-flight Age Assessment projects which were added when the Sovereign Borders Programme closed.The Asylum Transformation Programme (ATP) was rated Amber following its most recent Gate 0 review. Successful delivery of the programme to time, cost and quality was acknowledged as feasible but the Amber rating also denoted the existence of significant issues and subsequently led to recommendations from National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). The recommendations were accepted and have provided additional mitigation against the risk NISTA identified.to Successful delivery of the programme. The programme proactively assesses government policy in this area as part of its planning and business case development cycle.The Home Office Sovereign Borders Programme, which was working to support the previous Government ambitions around the Illegal Migration Act (IMA), was closed 2024. This led to a review of the in-flight projects within the Sovereign Borders Programme to identify and reallocate, any projects for which there continued to be a sound business case. Three in-flight Age Assessment projects were identified and have now moved into the scope of Asylum Transformation Programme (from Business Case 25/26). These projects aim to optimise and digitise the age assessment process through new technology, new tools and updated policy processes. This is in line with the programmes objectives to create a more resilient and effective asylum system.A Move on function was established and has been Operational since August 2024. The Asylum Transformation Programme continues to work with Discontinuations and Move on teams to transform their joint processes to ensure a smooth transition from asylum support into mainstream services.

With reference to recommendation 53 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a cross-government national security workforce strategy.

Developing a future-ready, purpose-driven, agile, and resilient workforce will be essential to meet the complex national security environment of tomorrow. Aligned with the Strategic Defence Review vision, Defence will work in conjunction with partners across Government to develop a strategy which ensures we have an ideal workforce with an innovative culture to tackle current and future challenges.

Communities and Local Government, how many planning permissions for nationally significant infrastructure projects have been expedited through the (a) Crown Development and (b) Urgent Crown Development routes in Huntingdon constituency since 1 May 2025.

There have been no applications for planning permission through either the Crown Development or Urgent Crown Development routes for nationally important projects in the Huntingdon constituency.

With reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in integrating the Royal Marines Commando Force into the UK-led Strategic Reserve Corps.

The Royal Marines Commando Force continues to make significant progress in integrating into the UK-led Strategic Reserve Corps, in line with the Strategic Defence Review 2025. This integration enhances the UK’s ability to provide rapid, agile, and scalable response options across the Euro-Atlantic region. Recent activity includes participation in Exercise VENTUROUS WARRIOR, which demonstrated the Commando Force’s ability to operate as part of the UK Contribution Force within NATO’s Regional Plan North-West. The exercise showcased improved interoperability, joint operational planning, and readiness to deploy rapidly in support of NATO’s strategic objectives. This progress reflects our commitment to ensuring the Royal Marines remain at the forefront of amphibious advance force operations, supporting both national and allied defence priorities.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2025 to Question 75352 on Quantum Technology, where the funding for the adoption of quantum computers is being spent.

As part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy the Government is allocating £670 million to advance our quantum computing mission, which includes 10-year investment for the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), to drive the adoption of quantum computing.Starting next year, funding will be available to advance a range of activities including building technical capabilities and improving access to quantum computing services.The 10-year funding for the NQCC will support for their flagship work on adoption, which enables applications discovery, supports skills development, and provides opportunities for networking.

With reference to page 35 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress the Chief of Joint Operations has made on establishing a single view of operational requirements for the defence of the UK.

A considered and detailed analysis has been conducted in relation to the matter raised. I hope that the Hon. Gentleman will understand that for operational security reasons I cannot comment on specific measures or assessments.

With reference to recommendation 52 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 8 July 2025, what progress has he made on ensuring Permanent Joint Headquarters is more resilient to (a) physical and (b) cyber attack.

PJHQ's critical role in UK operations is recognised, and its resilience is constantly undergoing review in light of evolving threats. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that for operational security reasons I cannot comment on specific measures or assessments.

With reference to page 125 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what resilience PJHQ has to (a) air and (b) missile strikes.

PJHQ's critical role in UK operations is recognised, and its resilience is constantly undergoing review in light of evolving threats. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that for operational security reasons I cannot comment on specific measures or assessments.

With reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the UK’s contribution is to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026.

The UK’s contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026 includes units such as the Army Rangers and the UK Commando Force. These units provide the special operations-capable forces required to improve the UK’s warfighting capabilities, as well as fulfilling our contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026. Detailed planning is classified.

With reference to his Department's policy paper entitled AI action plan for justice, published on 31 July 2025, if he will list the secure AI productivity tools he will introduce in order to reduce the administrative burden in his Department.

All Ministry of Justice staff now have access to a secure version of Microsoft Copilot Chat (a secure, web-based assistant for general queries), with further rollout of Microsoft Copilot 365 (the fully integrated AI capability within Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams) planned.The Ministry of Justice has also been piloting ChatGPT Enterprise from OpenAI.

With reference to page 78 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on developing a new Defence Diplomacy Strategy.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State (Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) (Mr Pollard) on 6 September 2025 to Question 70727 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).To progress the development of the strategy, the Ministry of Defence is actively engaging with all relevant Government departments. The Department is working to complete the strategy by the end of the year.This work is being led by Minister of State (Minister for the House of Lords) who is responsible for international relations and defence diplomacy.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the imprisonment of James Scott Rhys Anderson by Russia was discussed between the Prime Minister and President Zekenskyy during their meeting in Downing Street on 14 August 2025.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 12 September to Question 75426 and on 3 September to Question 69511. We continue to regularly raise Mr Anderson's case with our Ukrainian partners.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she last discussed the imprisonment of James Scott Rhys Anderson with her (a) Ukrainian and (b) Russian counterparts.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 12 September to Question 75426 and on 3 September to Question 69511. We continue to regularly raise Mr Anderson's case with our Ukrainian partners.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department stipulated the release of James Scott Rhys Anderson as one of its demands of President Putin ahead of the summit between President Trump and President Putin on 15 August 2025.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 12 September to Question 75426 and on 3 September to Question 69511. We continue to regularly raise Mr Anderson's case with our Ukrainian partners.

With reference to the Number 10 press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, if he will list his Department's (a) projects and (b) programmes by directorate that will contribute to the resilience and security element of national security spending for each year between 2025-26 and 2034-35 inclusive; and if he will list the amount of spending for each item (a) in real terms (b) as a proportion of concurrent forecast GDP.

The Departments primary spending on National Security is focused on resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and cross-cutting capabilities such as cyber security. Maintaining secure energy supplies is a key priority for Government as this underpins our economy, national security, and way of life. DESNZ works closely with industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the security and resilience of energy infrastructure and networks to reduce vulnerabilities.

How many and what proportion of rejected initial asylum applications have been (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully appealed since 5 July 2024.

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘asylum detailed datasets’ as part of the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’.Data on asylum claims by route of entry to the UK is published in table Asy_D01a and data on initial decisions on asylum claims is published in table Asy_D02. Additional data on the age of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is published in table Asy_01a of the ‘asylum summary tables’. The latest data relates to the year ending June 2025. For further information on the data, see the notes pages of the tables.Data on asylum seekers in receipt of support, by support type at the end of each quarter, is published in table Asy_D09. The latest data relates to as at 30 June 2025.Data on the outcomes of asylum appeals is published in table Asy_D07; the latest data relates to the year ending March 2023. Data on age disputes is published in table Asy_D05; the latest data relates to the year ending June 2024. Appeals and age assessment data is currently unavailable due to ongoing work on a new case working system. Updated data will be included in a future edition of the Immigration System Statistics release.